Contractor Linebarger tells county it collected about $9M in delinquent taxes over five years

Linebarger, the county—s delinquent-tax collection firm, briefed McLennan County commissioners on its work over the five-year reporting period and on current collection activity.

Scott Ward, an attorney with Linebarger—s Northeast Texas team, told the court the firm filed 452 lawsuits and disposed of 261 during the report period and mailed 45,277 notices to delinquent taxpayers. Ward said, "just under $9,000,000 collected in a 5 year period," and clarified that figure represents delinquent taxes plus accrued interest; Linebarger—s collection fees are added separately and are paid by delinquent taxpayers.

Ward described the county—s delinquent-roll profile: a large share of accounts are flagged as noncollectible because they are deferrals for elderly homestead owners; other sizable pieces are in active lawsuits, active collections and judgments. He noted the firm tries to work both the largest accounts and the numerous small accounts, and that accounts owing $500 or less are often handled without filing suit to avoid increasing the taxpayer—s obligation with court costs.

Ward also discussed plans to transition tax-sales activity to an online auction format. He said roughly 214 tracts were posted for sale during the reporting period and about $1.66 million was produced to taxing entities from those sales. Linebarger is preparing to conduct its first online sale April 1, with some sales possibly still occurring on the courthouse steps depending on timing.

Why it matters: commissioners said delinquent-tax collection helps sustain county revenues and that understanding the mix of collectible and deferred accounts informs budgeting. Ward emphasized that some accounts, such as deferred homestead properties, cannot be collected until a sale, change of homestead designation or the owner—s death.

Action: the commissioners received and approved the annual report from Linebarger by voice vote.