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Delinquent-tax firm reports $1.57 million collected, flags large homestead refunds
Summary
Purdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Ahmad reported more than $1.57 million collected in FY24–25, many refunds tied to recent homestead-exemption changes and appraisal‑value lawsuits; the firm reported hundreds of field inspections, payment agreements and petitions filed on the district’s behalf.
Iram Gutierrez, partner with the district’s delinquent tax collection firm, presented the FY 2024–25 delinquent‑tax activity report and told trustees the firm’s bilingual call center made over 11,300 contacts and mailed more than 3,600 delinquency notices during the year. The firm reported 966 address updates, roughly 300 field inspections, 88 formal payment agreements covering about $202,000 in base tax and 161 new petitions involving about $1,552,000 in base tax.
Gutierrez highlighted a sizable increase in tax refunds during the period—about $859,000—largely driven by expanded homestead exemptions and successful appraisal‑value lawsuits, and he warned this drives down local tax base while state mechanisms are intended to offset some of the loss. “During this period, we were able to collect over $1,570,000,” Gutierrez said.
Trustees asked whether recent homestead-exemption changes are already reflected in collections and Gutierrez explained refunds and retroactive filings can create spikes in refunds; he noted the state is generally expected to make the district whole for certain exemption changes but that the rules and timing are complex. The board thanked the firm for the report and asked staff to continue monitoring refund activity and audits that affect state funding.
