Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Attorney reports $3.8 million in collections, $6 million pending litigation in Starr County delinquent tax program
Summary
Attorney Jimmy Onsellus reported $3.8 million collected in the last year, roughly $6 million in pending litigation, more than 200 lawsuits filed and 174 payment agreements reached; he emphasized efforts to avoid selling homestead properties.
Jimmy Onsellus, the attorney presenting the county's delinquent tax collection report, told the Commissioners Court that his office mailed over 44,000 statements, made more than 12,000 calls and conducted roughly 222 site visits in the 10/1/2024–9/30/2025 reporting year. Those efforts led to 174 payment agreements, 64 payoff requests, and the filing of about 200 lawsuits.
Onsellus said the office disposed of 166 cases — largely by payoff — and collected more than $600,000 in payoffs recorded as paid dispositions. He reported the office took 120 judgments and currently has over $6,000,000 in matters pending litigation. "This year, we collected $3,800,000," Onsellus said, adding that the previous year totaled about $2.9 million.
He told the court none of the properties sold were homestead properties and that the office focuses on abandoned, commercial or vacant lots when placing property for sale. The judge and commissioners thanked Onsellus and his team for their work and reiterated the county's directive to avoid displacing families when possible.
Why it matters: Delinquent tax collections fund county services and affect taxpayers; Onsellus emphasized efforts to pursue collection while limiting displacement of homeowners.
Next steps: Onsellus said the office will continue collection efforts and scheduled tax sales for 2026 in March, July and September; property information and photos will be posted on the collection firm's website.
