Firm reports $1.85 million collected from Palmview delinquent court accounts over 10 years

A law firm that handles Palmview’s delinquent court-fee collections reported steady results over nearly a decade and outlined plans to expand outreach and use new technologies.

Gonzalo and Kelly Rivera Salazar of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLP presented a collections report showing the firm began receiving placements from Palmview in June 2015. The firm said it has collected roughly $1,850,000 and resolved about $2,600,000 of delinquent fees and fines from more than 30,000 assigned cases; the placements represent roughly $7.6 million in outstanding principal across about 22,000 accounts, the presenters said.

Gonzalo told the council that the firm charges a statutory 30% collection fee added to amounts paid by defendants and that the city pays no out-of-pocket fee for the service. He described value-added services provided at no cost to the city, including bilingual call centers, an advanced scofflaw program that can block vehicle renewals across multiple registrations, warrant-suite programs, and regular mailings and calls.

The firm reported year-to-date collections through March showed strong momentum: roughly $95,000 collected so far in the year, compared with prior-year benchmarks. A portfolio analysis showed 79% of accounts worked were issued more than three years ago; about 1.69% of accounts lacked a mailing address. Linebarger said it will not stop pursuing accounts unless the city directs it to do so.

On new tools, the firm said it plans to roll out text messaging to delinquent account holders, using verified message formats and a brand label to improve trust and response rates. Council members asked about technology and collection practices; Linebarger said staff will coordinate with court staff on implementation.

No formal council action was requested on the presentation; staff thanked the presenters and said they would continue to work with the firm and municipal court staff.