19-TAX ATTORNEYSItem No. 19
memo�andum
TO: Mayor & Council
FROM: John Godwin, City Manager
SUBJECT: TAX ATTORNEYS
DATE: March 4, 2013
BACKGROUND: The city, county, PISD, and PJC have for very many years utilized the
professional services of Linebarger Goggan Blair &Sampson. The Linebarger firm is very large
and has a great deal of expertise and experience, with offces all over the state. To the best of my
knowledge, Paris has been overall satisfied with the services offered by the firm, but as can
happen with a very large firm, I have seen instances in which the firm seems to take our business
for granted and as a result has not been very responsive or responsible.
STATUS OF ISSUE: As a result, I would like the city council to consider moving our tax
delinquency business to an alternative firm that we believe would provide more personal, hands-
on attention. Specifically, I and others have met with Tracy A. Pounders. Mr. Pounders has very
many years of experience, and is even a former partner with Linebarger. He now runs a two-
attorney operation that knows each of its clients more personally and provides excellent service.
Of course, it would be simpler if the other jurisdictions also changed tax attorneys at the same
time, but there is no legal requirement for this to occur.
BUDGET: Costs for these services generally derive from attorney collection activity.
RECOMMENDATION: Direct city attorney to move forward with changing law firms to
manage t� delinquency in Paris.
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