District attorney reports about $474,000 in delinquent taxes, describes collection steps

Nicholas Getchi of MVBA presented the annual delinquent-tax report to the Gatesville ISD board, reporting roughly $474,000 in outstanding delinquent taxes as of Aug. 31 and summarizing the firm's collection activities.

Getchi told trustees that about 3% of a typical levy becomes delinquent and that collections ramp up as the firm works accounts over time. He reported that for accounts turned over early in the 2024 fiscal year, the firm had collected about 31% in the first two months and that three- to four-year cumulative collection rates often fall in a 71%–85% range depending on age of the levy. The report showed operational counts: 765 notices mailed on 909 properties, 56 lawsuits on 68 properties, 6 judgments on 8 properties, and 7 properties posted for sale (2 ultimately sold); some accounts were listed as uncollectible due to bankruptcy or deferrals.

Getchi described the firm's sequential approach: initial outreach and notices, then lawsuits if necessary, followed by judgments and, as a last resort, property sale. He emphasized that property sale is uncommon because many accounts cure once collection pressure increases. Contact information for MVBA was provided for trustees and staff who had follow-up questions.

Trustees asked clarifying questions and thanked the attorney for the update; no policy or procedural actions were taken at the meeting on tax collections.