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Attorney reports Brenham ISD collects about 98% of annual levy; delinquent accounts largely in litigation
Summary
At a brief Brenham ISD board meeting, the district's delinquent-tax collection contractor reported that the district routinely collects about 98% of its levy and described the status of remaining delinquencies, noting litigation accounts make up the largest share and a tax sale is being considered next May.
An attorney representing the district gave the board an update on delinquent tax collections, saying staff collect nearly all current taxes and his firm focuses on the remaining delinquencies. "They're collecting around 98% of the tax levy each year, and I'm getting around 2% of what's left over," he said, describing how cases move from mass mailings and phone outreach into title research and, where necessary, litigation.
The presenter gave a breakdown of accounts by status and year: litigation accounts were the largest category at 34 percent; 2024 delinquencies comprised about 33 percent of outstanding dollars, and older years (2017 and prior) made up about 19 percent. He described special categories — deferments for homeowners 65 or older or disabled (which pause enforcement), partial-pay agreements for taxpayers on installment plans, and title issues that sometimes remove accounts from the roll. He said the firm has pursued judgments and will proceed to tax-sale steps only when necessary and that the district aims to avoid tax sales where possible.
The presenter summarized historical collection rates for accounts turned over to collections: the percentages collected from 2021 through 2024 showed an improving trend, and he said the firm is "looking at next May for a tax sale," noting the district opted not to hold an October sale when only one judgment-qualified property existed. He directed interested parties to the firm's website for weekly statewide tax-sale listings.
Diane White, the district's chief appraiser and tax assessor-collector, was present for the update and was referenced by the presenter as a key office that handles current collections. The acting superintendent publicly thanked the firm for revenue recovery since they were engaged. No new board action or vote was taken on the collection policies during the update; it was presented for information and to answer questions.
