Agenda No. 3.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | March 14, 2023 |
| Department: | Finance |
| Subject: | Resolution 23-R-28 - Consideration and/or action by the City Council of the City of Schertz, TX, approving a Resolution awarding a contract to Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP for court collection agency services (S. Gonzalez/J. Walters) |
BACKGROUND
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP (LGBS) has been representing the City of Schertz in the collection of fees, fines and costs pursuant to Article 103 of the Code of Criminal Procedure since March 2, 2012.
LGBS is fully qualified to provide this representation being the largest delinquent collection law firm in the State of Texas, as well as the United States, having been engaged in this specialized legal service for more than 40 years. In additional, LGBS possesses infrastructure and technology, such as a call center technology that the City does not currently possess.
A collection fee of 30% of the fine amounts are added to delinquent accounts and are paid at the time of collection. The city incurs no additional costs in utilizing the program as all the additional collection fee goes to LGBS. Accounts are sent to LGBS 90 days after issuing a warrant.
With court staff being composed of four full time staff members; the assistance of this program has been effective in aiding the court is resolving outstanding cases.
Legal services are considered exempt from procurement requirements as per Local Government Code 252.022
LGBS is fully qualified to provide this representation being the largest delinquent collection law firm in the State of Texas, as well as the United States, having been engaged in this specialized legal service for more than 40 years. In additional, LGBS possesses infrastructure and technology, such as a call center technology that the City does not currently possess.
A collection fee of 30% of the fine amounts are added to delinquent accounts and are paid at the time of collection. The city incurs no additional costs in utilizing the program as all the additional collection fee goes to LGBS. Accounts are sent to LGBS 90 days after issuing a warrant.
With court staff being composed of four full time staff members; the assistance of this program has been effective in aiding the court is resolving outstanding cases.
Legal services are considered exempt from procurement requirements as per Local Government Code 252.022
GOAL
To renew the existing collection services contract.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
This is another way to provide for safe community by helping to hold defendants accountable.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
To approve this resolution and renew the existing contract with LGBS.
FISCAL IMPACT
In FY 2021-22, LGBS helped to collect $283,000 in municipal court fees and fines and received $48,400 for their services at no additional cost to the City. The amount is less than the 30% of the total fines as some accounts fees are waived in coordination with LGBS and the Judge varying on the circumstances of the defendant and the case.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 23-R-28