Council introduces extension of special counsel contract for delinquent tax collections

Summary

Council introduced a resolution to extend a contract with Kathleen M. Thomas, Esquire, for delinquent business privilege and mercantile tax collection and asked the administration for updated figures on annual collections; a public commenter asked about a payment to the U.S. Department of Revenue shown in the controller's report.

The City Council introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor and city officials to execute a contract extension with Kathleen M. Thomas, Esquire, to serve as special counsel for delinquent business privilege and mercantile tax collection.

During public comment, resident Joan Hoduanas raised questions after reviewing the controller’s report for April. She noted an entry showing a $47,799.37 payment to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (reported as “US Department of Revenue”) under professional services in the business administration’s office and asked what it was for. Council members said they would inquire with the administration and provide an update.

At the time the resolution was introduced, a council member also asked administration to provide an update on delinquent BPM (business privilege and mercantile) tax collections, including the total dollar amount collected annually from delinquencies. The administration said it would provide that information to council.