Three speakers address trustees before unanimous consent vote on delinquent-tax collection contract

At the start of the public-comment period the board called three speakers who had registered on agenda item 7.11, which concerned the district’s delinquent-tax collection contract.

Erin Minnette Hutto introduced herself and her firm and asked trustees not to award the contract to a different firm, noting long-standing service and expressing confidence in her team’s performance: “I’m here to respectfully ask you to not do so,” she told the board. Hutto identified herself as the managing partner of her firm's Plano office and emphasized past work for the district.

Representatives of the firm recommended for award also addressed trustees. Paul Lopez identified himself as the managing director of the tax section at the firm recommended by staff and highlighted the firm’s decades-long experience collecting taxes for county and district governments. “Our firm and its predecessors have collected taxes in this county for over 30 years,” Lopez said. Richard Abernathy likewise described his firm’s long history and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve; he noted the firm traces its history to 1876.

After reconvening from closed session, the board considered the consent agenda. Board Secretary Tara Lance moved approval and Vice President Nancy Humphrey seconded. The board took a verbal/hand-raise vote and passed the consent agenda unanimously, 7–0; the consent package included item 7.11.

Next steps: Because item 7.11 was on the approved consent agenda, staff will proceed consistent with the contract award as reflected in the consent item; any details, contracts or notices will be available in the district’s posted minutes and recording per the district’s disclosure practices.

Note: Article reports public comments and the board’s procedural approval; it does not assign a contract beyond what the consent vote recorded in the meeting packet.