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Terrell council approves Linebarger contract for delinquent fine collection and adopts 30% collection fee
Summary
Council approved an agreement with the law firm Linebarger, Goggin, Blair & Sampson LLP to collect unpaid municipal fines and adopted a resolution imposing a 30% collection fee as allowed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 103.0031.
The Terrell City Council on June 3 approved an agreement with the law firm Linebarger, Goggin, Blair & Sampson LLP to provide delinquent municipal court collection services and adopted Resolution No. 2232 to impose a 30% collection fee for delinquent fines, fees and costs under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 103.0031.
City staff said the contract implements a recently awarded RFP. Council approved the agreement and amended the motion to authorize the interim city manager to execute the contract on the city's behalf. Maricela Navarro with Linebarger was present in the audience during the discussion.
The resolution authorizes a 30% add-on fee to defray collection costs, the amount and authority provided under article 103.0031 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Staff characterized the fee as an administrative measure meant to defray the cost of outside collection on delinquent municipal accounts.
Donna Renee Anderson moved to approve the agreement for fines-and-fees collection services; the motion was seconded and later amended to permit the interim city manager to execute the contract. Mayor Ronnie Velasquez moved approval of Resolution No. 2232 adopting the 30% collection fee, seconded by Donna Renee Anderson; both actions passed by voice votes of members present with no opposition recorded.
Staff were directed to finalize the contract paperwork with Linebarger and to implement the new collection fee consistent with state statute and the adopted resolution.
