R-92-1756 - 10/6/1992CONTRACT FOR THE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT TAXES
THE STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF WILLIAMSON
THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into by and between the CITY OF ROUND
ROCK on behalf of the CITY OF ROUND ROCK and on behalf of the collector of taxes
for its taxing authorities and all authorities for whom it collects delinquent taxes, acting
herein by and through its governing body, hereinafter called First Party, and HEARD,
GOGGAN, BLAIR & WILLIAMS, Attorneys at Law and STEPHAN L. SHEETS AND
ASSOCIATES, P.C., Attorneys at Law, hereinafter called Second Party.
I.
First Party agrees to employ and does hereby employ Second Party to enforce by suit
or otherwise the collection of all delinquent taxes, penalty and interest, on behalf of the
CITY OF ROUND ROCK and on behalf of the collector of taxes for its taxing authorities
and all authorities for whom it collects delinquent taxes, within the CITY OF ROUND
ROCK, owing to the CITY OF ROUND ROCK and the units for which the CITY OF
ROUND ROCK collects, provided current year taxes falling delinquent within the period of
this contract shall become subject to its terms on the first day of July of the year in which
the same shall become delinquent except that suits resolved before the first day of July must
include current year delinquent taxes, which are also subject to the terms of this contract.
II.
Second Party is to call to the attention of the collector or other officials any errors,
double assessments, or other discrepancies coming under their observation during the
progress of the work, and is to intervene on behalf of First Party in all suits for taxes
hereafter filed by any taxing unit on property located within its geographical limits.
III.
First Party agrees to furnish delinquent tax statements to Second Party on all property
within the taxing jurisdiction. Second Party will furnish forms for said statements on request
and will assume responsibility for having penalty and interest computed on statements before
such statements are mailed to property owners.
IV.
Second Party agrees to file suit on and reduce to judgment and sale any property
located within the CITY OF ROUND ROCK against which a tax lien would prevail provided,
First Party will furnish the necessary data and information as to the name, identity, and
location of the necessary parties, and legal description of the property to be sold. Second
Party agrees to sue for recovery of the costs as court costs as provided by Tex. Prop. Tax
Code Sec. 33.48 (Vernon 1979).
V.
Second Party agrees to make progress reports to First Party on request, and to advise
First Party of all cases where investigation reveals taxpayers to be financially unable to pay
their delinquent taxes.
VI.
First Party agrees to pay to Second Party as compensation for services required
hereunder fifteen (15) percent of the amount collected of all delinquent taxes, penalty and
interest of the years covered by this contract, actually collected and paid to the collector of
taxes during the term of this contract as and when collected. All compensation above
provided for shall become the property of the Second Party at the time payment of taxes,
penalty and interest is made to the collector. The collector shall pay over said funds
monthly by check.
VII.
This contract is drawn to cover a period of three (3) years beginning October 1, 1992
and ending September 30, 1995. First Party shall have the option exercisable at any time
that this contract is in force to renew and extend this contract on its identical terms for two
(2) additional three (3) year increments commencing October 1, 1995, and October 1, 1998.
On termination of this contract, Second Party shall have an additional six months after
termination to reduce to judgment all suits filed prior to the date last mentioned, and
provided further that Second Party shall handle to conclusion all suits in which trial court
judgments are obtained during the period of this contract and which are appealed by any
party. In consideration of the terms and compensation herein stated, Second Party hereby
accepts said employment and undertakes the performance of this contract as above written.
First Party shall have the right to sooner terminate this contract for cause, giving thirty (30)
days' written notice of such intention, with a statement of the cause or reasons for such
termination, after giving Second Party a reasonable opportunity of explaining or rectifying
the same. In case of such termination, Second Party shall be entitled to receive and retain
all compensation due up to the date of said termination.
VIII.
This contract is executed on behalf of First Party by the presiding officer of its
governing body who is authorized to execute this instrument by order heretofore passed and
duly recorded in its minutes.
WITNESS the signatures of all parties hereto in triplicate originals this, the L ... ay
of Da " It"' , AD 1992, WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS.
CITY OF ROUND ROCK HEARD, GOGGAN, BLAIR &
WILLIAMS
B 7#4 / B
MIKE ROBINSON — • L
MAYOR PARTNER
STEPHAN L. SHEETS AND
ASSOCIATES, P.C.
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to retain attorneys to collect
delinquent ad valorem taxes for the City of Round Rock, and
WHEREAS, the law firms of Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams and
Stephan L. Sheets and Associates, P.C. have submitted a joint proposal
to continue collecting the City's delinquent taxes, and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to accept the joint proposal of the
two law firms, Now Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS
That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute on
behalf of the City a contract with Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams and
Stephan L. Sheets and Associates, P.C. for the collection of
delinquent taxes, a copy of said contract being attached hereto and
incorporated herein for all purposes.
RESOLVED this 6th day of October, 1992.
ATTEST:
JO
RS10062A
E LAND, Secretary
RESOLUTION NO. 1'156k,
MIKE ROBINSON, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
CONTRACT FOR THE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT TAXES
THE STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF WILLIAMSON
THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into by and between the CITY OF ROUND
ROCK on behalf of the CITY OF ROUND ROCK and on behalf of the collector of taxes
for its taxing authorities and all authorities for whom it collects delinquent taxes, acting
herein by and through its governing body, hereinafter called First Party, and HEARD,
GOGGAN, BLAIR & WILLIAMS, Attorneys at Law and STEPIIAN L. SHEETS AND
ASSOCIATES, P.C., Attorneys at Law, hereinafter called Second Party.
First Party agrees to employ and does hereby employ Second Party to enforce by suit
or otherwise the collection of all delinquent taxes, penalty and interest, on behalf of the
CITY OF ROUND ROCK and on behalf of the collector of taxes for its taxing authorities
and all authorities for whom it collects delinquent taxes, within the CITY OF ROUND
ROCK, owing to the CITY OF ROUND ROCK and the units for which the CITY OF
ROUND ROCK collects, provided current year taxes falling delinquent within the period of
this contract shall become subject to its terms on the first day of July of the year in which
the same shall become delinquent except that suits resolved before the first day of July must
include current year delinquent taxes, which are also subject to the terms of this contract.
II.
Second Party is to call to the attention of the collector or other officials any errors,
double assessments, or other discrepancies coming under their observation during the
progress of the work, and is to intervene on behalf of First Party in all suits for taxes
hereafter filed by any taxing unit on property located within its geographical limits.
III.
First Party agrees to furnish delinquent tax statements to Second Party on all property
within the taxing jurisdiction. Second Party will furnish forms for said statements on request
and will assume responsibility for having penalty and interest computed on statements before
such statements are mailed to property owners.
IV.
Second Party agrees to file suit on and reduce to judgment and sale any property
located within the CITY OF ROUND ROCK against which a tax lien would prevail provided,
First Party will furnish the necessary data and information as to the name, identity, and
location of the necessary parties, and legal description of the property to be sold. Second
Party agrees to sue for recovery of the costs as court costs as provided by Tex. Prop. Tax
Code Sec. 33.48 (Vernon 1979).
V.
Second Party agrees to make progress reports to First Party on request, and to advise
First Party of all cases where investigation reveals taxpayers to be financially unable to pay
their delinquent taxes.
VI.
First Party agrees to pay to Second Party as compensation for services required
hereunder fifteen (15) percent of the amount collected of all delinquent taxes, penalty and
interest of the years covered by this contract, actually collected and paid to the collector of
taxes during the term of this contract as and when collected. All compensation above
provided for shall become the property of the Second Party at the time payment of taxes,
penalty and interest is made to the collector. The collector shall pay over said funds
monthly by check.
VII.
This contract is drawn to cover a period of three (3) years beginning October 1, 1992
and ending September 30, 1995. First Party shall have the option exercisable at any time
that this contract is in force to renew and extend this contract on its identical terms for two
(2) additional three (3) year increments commencing October 1, 1995, and October 1, 1998.
On termination of this contract, Second Party shall have an additional six months after
termination to reduce to judgment all suits filed prior to the date last mentioned, and
provided further that Second Party shall handle to conclusion all suits in which trial court
judgments are obtained during the period of this contract and which are appealed by any
party. In consideration of the terms and compensation herein stated, Second Party hereby
accepts said employment and undertakes the performance of this contract as above written.
First Party shall have the right to sooner terminate this contract for cause, giving thirty (30)
days' written notice of such intention, with a statement of the cause or reasons for such
termination, after giving Second Party a reasonable opportunity of explaining or rectifying
the same. In case of such termination, Second Party shall be entitled to receive and retain
all compensation due up to the date of said termination.
VIII.
This contract is executed on behalf of First Party by the presiding officer of its
governing body who is authorized to execute this instrument by order heretofore passed and
duly recorded in its minutes.
WITNESS the signatures of all parties hereto in triplicate originals this, the day
of AD 1992, WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS.
CITY OF ROUND ROCK HEARD, GOGGAN, BLAIR &
WILLIAMS
By: By:
MIKE ROBINSON OLIVER S. HEARD, JR.
MAYOR
PARTNER
STEPHAN L. SHEETS AND
ASSOCIATES, P.C.
DATE: October 2, 1992
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting, October 6, 1992
ITEM: 9.A. Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for
the collection of delinquent taxes.
STAFF RESOURCE PERSON: Steve Sheets
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Retain the firm of Heard, Goggan, Blair to continue the collection process of the City's
delinquent ad valorem property taxes.
The collection process is funded by the 15% collection fee added to delinquent tax
accounts.
Performance Report
On
Delinquent Ad- Valorem Tax Collections
For
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
Jointly submitted by:
Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Tower Life Building, Tenth Floor
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(512) 225 -6763
(800) 876 -6144
and
Stephan L. Sheets and Associates, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
309 E. Main Street
Round Rock, Texas 78664
(512) 255 -8877
September, 1992
/
A_
IGB4V TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter of Transmittal i
I. Performance Summary 1
II. Scope of Services 4
III. Data Processing Resources 8
IV. Biographical Information 9
V. Community Service 34
VI. Appendices 35
A. Statistical Information
B. Workplan for the City of Round Rock
C. Taxpayer Assistance Forms
D. Press Release on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal Decision
CLIVER5 HEARD, 5R.
.1915-1977,
OLIVER S. HEARD, JR.
THOMAS S. GOGGAN, III
STEPHEN 5. BLAIR
JIM BLAIR
LESLIE H WILLIAMS, JR
9 ENNETTJ ROBERTS,JR,
HAROLD°.PUTmAN, JR
LU PE ZAMARRIPA
ALBERT W HARTm AN, 111
CLAYTON E M YFIELD
STEPHEN T, 5E645
0114560E CANALES
JOYCE A. LANGEN EGGER
Mr. Robert L Bennett, Jr.
City Manager
City of Round Rock
221 E. Main
Round Rock,Texas 78664
RE: Performance Report
Dear Mr. Bennett:
HEARD, GOGGAN, BLAIR & WILLIAMS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
TOWER LIFE BUILDING
TENTH FLOOR
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78205
15121225-6763
FAX 15121 225-6410
September 8, 1992
STCNAH GORGON
OEMETR SA SAMPSON
CLI E. K.NG
FTON F DOUGLASS, 111
CHRISTOPHERL PHILL•0
REBECCA P, BUST4MAN)E
MICHAELW, 55E05
RICHARD.. STRIEBER
KARL E HAYS
BRIAN K DAVIS
LEAH L. B SK
ELAINE PRAPPAS
COuNSE-
RICHARD 0 005
GEORGE J. PRAPP45
Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams and St�phen L Sheets & Associates are pleased
to present this report regarding the collection of property taxes owed to the City of Round
Rock. Our purpose is to summarize our collection activities on behalf of the City and to
overview our collection strategies as we continue to represent the City.
We take seriously the responsibility of collecting delinquent taxes so that the City will
have the necessary revenues to continue providing services to the citizens and families the
City serves. Through monthly and six month workplans we initiate collection activities that
meet the individual collection needs of the City. We place special emphasis on assisting
taxpayers who make the effort to meet their financial responsibilities. Thus we believe our
firm provides the City with an effective collection program that is aggressive, but fair.
We value the opportunity to represent City of Round Rock and pledge our continued
commitment to ensure the effective collection of the City's taxes. If you have any questions
regarding our firms' services, please feel free to contact us.
OSH:am
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
HEARD, Si0 GAN, BLAIR & WILLIAMS
OLIVER S.
cc: ivfr (Davi Kautz, Director of Finance -
Sle hen L. Sheets
HOUSTON 5 AUSTIN
3000 CITICORP CENT( ILIA NA CENTRE AUSTIN, TEXAS
HOUSTON. TEXAS 7700 2323801 BRYAN ST. T. AUSTIN.TEXASXA5 78 78701 01
17131655.9191 DALLAS. TEXAS 75201 15121478 -7727
FAX 17131655.0905 12141880 -0089 FAX15121 478-0150
FAX12141 754-7167
FORT WORTH
OIL & GAS B LD.. 5U ITE 1414
309W. 71H ST.
FORT WORTH .TEXA5 76102
18171877-45E19
FAX 1817)877080(
BROWNSVILLE
3505 BOCACHICA
SUITE 160
BROW NSVILLE. TEXAS 78521
15121544-2661
FAX 15121 544 -3319
HGB4V PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
COLLECTION RESULTS I
The figures below represent actual collections as compared to the outstanding
delinquency for th City of Rock during the current three year contract period. The amount
of delinquent taxes turned over for collection has decreased over the past three years.
Nevertheless, collections have remained consistently high when compared to the turnover
amount.
Total Delinquent
Base Tax $478,372 $477,513 $444,970
Current Year
Delinquent Turnover $256,069 $212,877 $175,556
$270,202 $206,388
July -June
Collections
YEAR 1:
July 89 - June 1990
$345,410
TAX ROLL ANALYSIS I
YEAR 2: YEAR 3:
July 90 - June 1991 June 91 - July 1992
A complete analysis of City of Round Rock delinquent tax roll is provided in
Appendix A of this report. The analysis breaks down the City's roll by type of property, size
of accounts, distribution of accounts and degree of delinquency. To further breakdown the
roll, we have grouped the City's accounts by the status of each account in the collection
process. This analysis is continued on the following page.
STATUS
STATUS OF ACCOUNTS AS OF AUGUST, 1992
BASE TAX, PENALTY
NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS AND INTEREST
CLEAR ACCOUNTS 620 $231,903
LAWSUIT 140 253,361
BANKRUPTCY 179 145,423
BAD ADDRESS 117 22,115
EXEMPT PROPERTY 24 62,841
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS 25 2,913
OTHER 26 29,826
TOTAL ACCOUNTS ON FILE 1,131 $748,382
MAILINGS
1
To ensure proper taxpayer notification before forced collection efforts are initiated,
the following mailings were initiated on behalf of the City of Round Rock during the period
beginning August 1989 to present.
Type of Mailing
First Notification
Second Notification
Third Notification
First Notification
Second Notification
First Notification
Second Notification
Third Notification
First Notification
COLLECTION SPECIALISTS I
Letters Mailed:
Date Number Dollar Amount
08 -14 -89 749 $314,985
10 -16-89 518 234,121
02 -16-90 375 131,359
08 -13 -90 800 292,520
03 -07 -91 474 122,416
08 -23 -91 1,073 232,256
12 -05 -91 636 119,762
03 -20 -92 554 92,688
08 -19 -92 620 231,903
Complex accounts, usually involving corporations or real estate developers, are turned
over for special handling by collections specialist. Their years of research and collections
experience enable them identify contacts within the respective corporate organization who
have the authority to resolve problems and make payment on the taxes due. Their efforts
2
result in the collection of thousands of dollars in Round Rock on an annual basis that may
not otherwise be collected unless forced collection or costly litigation efforts are initiated.
RESEARCH
1
All accounts that are identified with problems that impedes the collection of taxes are
turned over to our Research Department. These accounts are grouped together and sorted
in a high dollar down order to maximize collection efforts. Common types of problem
accounts included those with bad address; ownership or title problems; accounts involved
with bankruptcy, federal agencies, or probate; and accounts involving appraisal problems or
defunct corporations.
LITIGATION
1
HGB &W and Stephen L Sheets & Associates have a very thorough and systematic
litigation program. Before a lawsuit is filed the proper ownership and title research is
conducted to ensure all parties with interest in the property are notified of pending litigation.
Each lawsuit is inputted into HGB &W's Case Tracking System (CATS) which is designed
with the logic to monitor the movement of each case through to judgment and sale.
Type of Property
Interventions
TOTAL
July 1991 - June 1992
LAWSUITS FILED FROM SEPTEMBER 1991 - JUNE 1992
Number of. Accounts Dollar Amount
Original Petitions 22 $26,127.88
23
$30,326.21
45 $56,454.09
CITY OF ROUND ROCK LAWSUIT DISPOSITIONS+
Number of Judgments Dollar Amount
20 $24,394.47
3
HGB4`V SCOPE OF SERVICES
HGB &W has been collecting delinquent taxes in Williamson County since 1983 and
on behalf of City of Round Rock since 1987. HGB &W is a San Antonio based company
with 15 office locations throughout the state. We have developed a very successful
delinquent tax collection program which has resulted in the collection of more tax dollars,
by far, than any other delinquent tax firm in the State of Texas. We are proud of the system
and resources we have developed statewide, which enables us to better serve the City of
Round Rock.
HGB &W has associated with the local firm of Stephan L. Sheets and Associates, P.C.
to represent City of Round Rock in the collection of delinquent taxes. Mr. Sheets and Mr.
Charles Crossfields' familiarity with the City of Round Rock Judiciary, District Clerk and
their respective administrative staffs, as well as the local court rules and procedures ensure
an efficient and equitable collection program for the City. Mr. Sheets and Mr. Crossfield
are available to personally and promptly respond to any questions regarding the delinquent
tax collection program.
WORKPLAN
1
The San Antonio management team designs a six month and monthly workplans to
achieve the collection goals for the City of Round Rock. These workplans are used to direct
our collection, research an litigation efforts to the highest dollar and most problematic group
of accounts. Our monthly workplan activities include a combination of:
• Analysis of the Delinquent Tax Roll
• Mailing of Notification Letters To Targeted Accounts
• Research of Title Ownership and Address
• Telephone Collections on Complex or Problem Accounts
■ Filing and Prosecution of Lawsuits
► Sheriff Sales and Seizures
• Bankruptcy and Federal Agency Collection Procedures
• Assistance and Counseling to Taxpayers
A proposed workplan for the City of Round Rock is provided in Appendix B
herewith. A graphic overview of HGB &W's collection process is provided on page 7. While
our overall collection process remains the same, we continually make every effort to enhance
our procedures and strategies to be effective in meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
4
TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE I
We place great emphasis on its Taxpayer Assistance Program. Every call or letter
we receive from your taxpayers presents an opportunity create goodwill and collect the taxes
due City of Round Rock. Our staff is trained to respond to taxpayer needs and concerns
with politeness and professional courtesy.
Written and verbal information is available to taxpayers in both Spanish and English.
Copies of our taxpayer assistance forms and brochures are provided in Appendix C of this
report.
TAXPAYER NOTIFICATION
A successful collection program must begin with proper notification of delinquency
to taxpayers. As soon as delinquent accounts are turned over to us in July of each year, we
mail a personalized letter to every eligible delinquent account. Within approximately sixty
days a second notification of delinquency is mailed to those who failed to respond to the first
notification. Thereafter, smaller more specialized letters are mailed to target accounts
depending on the needs of the City. These specialized mailings may include multiple
property owners, absentee owners, business taxpayers, first time or repeat delinquents etc.
Our collection program is designed to ensure that all taxpayers receive at least five written
notices of delinquency prior to judgment and sale of property.
LITIGATION
1
We initiate every possible effort to collect a delinquent account without resorting to
legal action, however in some cases legal action is the only viable method to collect the City's
taxes. Every lawsuit we file on behalf of the City is prosecuted through to judgment, and
sale if necessary. Fortunately most lawsuits are resolved and taxes are paid before a
judgment is taken seeking the foreclosure and sale of the property. To manage the volume
of litigation throughout the City, we have developed a state of the art case tracking system
with the logic to move each lawsuit we file through the court system. Our system enables
our attorneys and legal assistants to process a greater of volume of litigation with more
personalized attention to the taxpayers involved.
BANKRUPTCY
1
Currently the City of Round Rock has 179 accounts representing approximately
$145,000 in delinquent taxes. We provide the City complete representation in bankruptcy
5
matters as part of our basic legal service, at no additional cost to the City. Our firm is
uniquely positioned to respond immediately to any developments in bankruptcy because of
our statewide network and resources.
Our bankruptcy program is designed to be pro - active. This enables us to aggressively
pursue the collection of delinquent ad valorem taxes in bankruptcy. Many firms conduct
only reactive programs, involving simply the filing of a proof of claim with the Bankruptcy
Court. A reactive collection system often results in delay or even loss of taxes. When a
taxpayer files for bankruptcy, Federal law supersedes State law and controls the disposition
of claims for payment of delinquent taxes. Our bankruptcy program is structured to actively
file necessary court pleadings, negotiate with debtors and preserve the secured status of our
clients' claims. We routinely join in Motions to Lift Automatic Stay, oppose Motions to Sell
Free and Clear of Lien and otherwise appear in bankruptcy court on behalf of our clients.
FEDERAL AGENCIES I
HGB &W has been a leader in Texas in overcoming the obstacles created by the
RTC/FDIC to collect ad valorem taxes for local government. Due to our aggressive efforts
and success in the court room, the RTC/FDIC has begun to work with us to pay taxes due
to the City of Round Rock and other clients throughout Williamson County and Texas.
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
(FIRREA) placed significant restrictions on the collection of delinquent taxes from the
Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), formerly the FSLIC, and from the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Essentially Federal law prohibits collection suits against the
RTC and FDIC except under limited circumstances. We have actively challenged the
provisions of FIRREA which restrict the collection of taxes by local governments. Through
HGB &W's efforts, court rulings have preserved the status of local governments tax liens and
have assured, in most cases, the ultimate payment of taxes on accounts owned by the FDIC
or RTC. A press release from our most recent court victory is provided in Appendix D
herewith.
6
Mailing
Heard, Goggan, Blair, Fr Williams
Delinquent Tax Collection Process
Next Cycle
i 1
4c
HGBS`v DATA PROCESSING RESOURCES
such technological developments.
We have pioneered the applica-
tion of high technology to the delin-
quent tax collection process when we
entered the field in 1980 to represent
Williamson County. Since that time we
have invested more than $10 million in
computer resources and technology to
develop a collection system that meets
the changing environment of the collec-
tion process. Taxing entities of all sizes
throughout Texas have benefited from
our technology, especially smaller to
medium -sized jurisdictions who would
otherwise not be able to solely support
HGB &W developed DELTAX, a software developed and refined by our own staff
through years of actual use, to support all aspects of the delinquent collection system. This
system interfaces with our Taxpayer Assistance Program, taxpayer notification mailings,
research, litigation, tax roll analysis and management reporting.
CATS or Case Tracking System is HGB &W's on -line lawsuit management system
monitors each case that is filed in the Williamson County court system. CATS has the logic
to determine the next legal step required to move each case through to judgment. Pending
lawsuits are grouped together according to action required and routed to a legal assistant
for document preparation. The legal assistant utilizes CATS to generate all legal documents
and correspondence required by the firm and the courts. Until the developments and
managements of pending lawsuits was a labor intensive job, now preparing 500 judgments,
together with other legal pleadings and accompanying letters envelopes, etc. is done in a
matter of hours.
HGB &W computer network system retains complete history of all collection activities
related to each delinquent account. The system maintains address changes, increases and
decreases in base tax owed, mailing dates written or verbal inquiries from taxpayers and any
other information that is pertinent to the account.
As we serve City of Round Rock and over 250 other jurisdictions throughout Texas,
we continuously endeavor to develop, test, apply and perfect our computer technology. As
new procedures are introduced, every client benefits from these new ideas and develop-
ments.
8
HGB4 V BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
As the state's most successful law firm collecting delinquent taxes, we employ a
statewide staff of approximately 300 people of varying backgrounds who are drawn upon to
serve the City of Round Rock.
Oliver S. Heard, Jr. is the firm's managing partner in the San Antonio region.
Richard Strieber is the firm's regional managing attorney. Mr. Heard and Mr. Strieber,
along with Karl Hays and Harold Putman, Jr., will be the attorneys assigned to represent the
City of Round Rock. Mrs. Daisy Power serves as the firm's San Antonio Office Manager
supervising over 100 staff members and up to 125 persons during peak periods. Mrs. Power
is a certified public accountant who was previously with the accounting firm of Touche Ross
& Company. The firm's data processing department, under the supervision of Mr. Richard
Pachecano, coordinates mailings and provides tax roll analyses for the City.
The law firm Stephan L. Sheets and Associates, P.C. has associated with HGB &W
to jointly represent the City of Round Rock in the collection of delinquent taxes. Stephan
Sheets and Charlie Crossfield are the two attorneys who will advise HGB &W of the special
needs that are unique to Williamson County and assist the firm when necessary with
accounts involved in litigation and bankruptcy.
Brief biographies of the name partners, the attorneys, and our management, data
processing, tax administration, support services, and accounting personnel who will serve the
City of Round Rock are found below.
HGB &W Partners:
Oliver S. Heard, Jr., Managing Partner, was admitted to the Bar in 1967 after receiving his
B.A. in Government and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from
Central Catholic Marianist High School in San Antonio. Mr. Heard oversees all of the
firm's activities including litigation, data processing, mailings, legislative initiatives and
general firm policy. He is Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Bar Foun-
dation, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the State * Bar of Texas, Past Chairman
of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a member and former National Secretary of the
American Board of Trial Advocates, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr.
Heard has served as Continuing Legal Education Course Director and lecturer for the State
Bar of Texas since 1977. He has presented more than 30 papers on ad valorem taxation,
real estate, family law, criminal law, settlements, negotiations, and attorney fees for legal
seminars and publications across the country. Mr. Heard presently serves as the Legal Ad-
visor to the Consul General of Mexico and on the Board of Directors for Central Catholic
Marianist High School. Mr. Heard is Board Certified in Family Law and Criminal Law by
the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He served as an adjunct Professor of Sociology for
Trinity University from 1973 to 1980. In 1989 he received the San Antonio Humanitarian
Award from Central del Barrio. Mr. Heard reside in the Alamo Heights Independent
School District. He has more than eleven years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
9
Thomas S. Goggan, III, Partner, was admitted to the Bar in 1967 after receiving his B.A. and
J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from Central Catholic Marianist
High School in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Goggan coordinates the firm's legislative activities
on behalf of our clients statewide. He also is active in the establishment of the firm's
litigation policies and represents our clients at the appellate level in complex tax cases. He
is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has
litigated complex tax cases, both jury and non jury, in the district courts, the Court of
Appeals, the Supreme Court of Texas, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He is
a member of the Civil Appellate Law Advisory Commission for the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization and has also served on the State Bar's Committees for Continuing Legal
Education, Administration for Justice and Administrative Law. Mr. Goggan is an author and
lecturer for the State Bar of Texas Professional Development Programs, and lectured on ad
valorem taxes for the State Bar Advanced Real Estate Law Course. Mr. Goggan is a co-
author of a Matthew - Bender text on ad valorem taxation. He is a member of the State Bar
of Texas, Travis County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association and American Bar
Association. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. Mr. Goggan, his wife and
two children reside in Austin. He has more than eleven years of experience in delinquent
tax collection. •
Stephen S. Blair, Partner, was admitted to the Bar in 1967 after receiving his B.A. and
J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Blair serves as the Affirmative Action
Officer of the firm and assists in the firm's legislative initiatives. He served for years as a
counsel to the Texas Education Foundation, Inc., where he gained substantial experience in
administering multimillion dollar government contracts. Also, he was the Affirmative Action
Officer for the Foundation. Mr. Blair is a former Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson
County. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Northern District of
Texas. Mr. Blair has lectured on ad valorem taxation for the State Bar and is a co- author
of a Matthew - Bender text on ad valorem taxation. He is a member of the State Bar of
Texas, Travis County Bar Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Blair and
his wife and two children reside in Austin. He has eleven years of experience in delinquent
tax collection.
Jim Blair, Partner, was admitted to the Bar in 1967 after receiving his B.A. from the
University of Oklahoma and his J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Blair
assists in the designing and formulating of firm litigation policies and data processing
capabilities. He was The Assistant District Attorney for the City of Amarillo Tax Division
for two years, Judge of the Municipal Court, City of Amarillo for two years, the Assistant
District Attorney for Randall County, Texas, for two years and has been in private practice
limited to ad valorem tax collections for twenty years. He is admitted to practice before the
U.S. District Court in the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas. He is a member of the
Texas Association of Assessing Officers, International Association of Assessing Officers,
Texas Association of School Administrators, and the Texas Tax Assessor's Association. He
has been a lecturer for the T.A.A.O. Continuing Education Programs, Texas Association of
School Boards and Texas Association of School Administrators. Mr. Blair and his wife
reside in The Woodlands. He has 23 years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
10
Leslie H. Williams, Jr., Partner, was admitted to the Bar in 1969 after receiving his
B.B.A. from Texas Tech University and his J.D. from St. Mary's University. Mr. Williams
supervises the overall customer service provided by the firm to each of our clients. He
entered in private practice with the firm of Culton, Morgan, Britton & White of Amarillo,
Texas, for four years. He served as Vice - President, General Counsel, and Secretary of a
Cargill subsidiary, Excel Corporation, in Wichita, Kansas, for eleven years where he was an
officer and head of the legal department. Mr. Williams was Editor of the St. Mary's Law
Journal. He has judged Moot Court competitions for South Texas School of Law. Mr.
Williams is a life member and committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Kansas, Houston Bar Association, Houston
Downtown Chamber of Commerce and American Bar Association. Mr. Williams resides in
the Alamo Heights Independent School District. He has more than eight years of
experience in delinquent tax collection.
Stephan L Sheets and Associates. P.C., Attorneys
San Antonio Attorneys
Stephan L Sheets, President and Sole Stockholder of Stephan L Sheets and es,
P.C., was admitted to the Bar in 1975 after receiving his B.A. in English and J. form the
University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Sheets oversees all of the firm's litigation acti'ities He
is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts of the Western District of Texas. Mr.
Sheets has practiced law in Williamson County for sixteen years and has served as City
Attorney for the City of Round Rock since 1977. He is a member and former president of
the Williamson County Bar Association.
Charles D. Crossfteld, Associate of Stephan L Sheets and Associates, P.C., since 1987. Mr.
Crossfield was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1980 and the Texas Bar in 1982. He
received his B.A. in 1972 from Knox College and his J.D. in 1980 from Western New
England College. Mr. Crossfield has practiced law in Williamson County for ten years and
is a former Assistant County Attorney for Williamson County. He serves as City Attorney
for the City of Elgin, and a member and Director of the Williamson County Bar Association.
Richard Strieber, Regional Managing Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1985 after
receiving his B.A. from Incarnate Word College and his M.A. and J.D. from St. Mary's
University. Mr. Strieber joined the firm in 1985 and is responsible for the management of
collection programs and procedures for all Williamson County area clients. He has co-
authored numerous articles for State Bar Continuing Legal Education seminars on issues of
land use by local governments, ad valorem taxation and family law and marital property.
Mr. Strieber has had an article on characterization of marital property published in the
Baylor Law Review. He is admitted to practice before the Federal Bar, Western District
of Texas. Mr. Strieber is a member of the State Bar of Texas, San Antonio Bar Association,
American Bar Association, Texas and American Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Young
Lawyers Association and Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. He resides in the Alamo Heights
Independent School District. He has six years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
11
Karl E. Hays, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1985 after receiving his B.A. in Political
Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio where he was a Presidential Scholar
and his J.D. from St. Mary's University School of Law where he was involved in Moot Court
competitions. He attended grade school in North East ISD and graduated from Churchill
High School in 1979. Mr. Hays has been with the firm since 1988 and is responsible for
bankruptcy and complex tax litigation for Bexar County. Prior to joining the firm, he was
in private practice and gained extensive experience in consumer litigation. Mr. Hays is
admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas. He is a
member of the American Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association, Texas Trial
Lawyers Association and the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association. He is Board
Certified in Civil Trial by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Hays is an Elder and
Kindergarten Sunday School Instructor at the Covenant Presbyterian Church and is a board
member of the San Antonio Community Council of Churches. He resides in the North East
Independent School District.
Rebecca P. Bustamante, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1984 after receiving her
B.A. and M.A. from Incarnate Word College and her J:D. from St. Mary's University. She
practices general law (family, real estate and personal injury) and has been employed with
HGB &W for more than seven years. Ms. Bustamante was previously a bilingual teacher in
the San Antonio Independent School District and a teacher /administrator in the South San
Antonio ISD. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Texas State Bar, San
Antonio Bar Association and Texas State Teachers Association. She is also a member of
the PTA, Congressional Club, and the Democratic Congressional Wives Forum. Ms.
Bustamante resides in the North Side Independent School District.
Clifton F. Douglass, III, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1982 after receiving his
B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from St. Mary's University. Mr.
Douglass has been with the firm since 1986 and is responsible for litigation involving
commercial real estate. He has served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for
First State Savings and In -House Counsel for Governor Clements. During visits to the
Alamo City, Mr. Douglass served as Sight Advance Coordinator with the Secret Service for
President Reagan in 1984 and Presidential Candidate George Bush in 1988. Mr. Douglass
is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, San Antonio Bar
Association and the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association. He serves on the Board of
Santa Rosa Children's Hospital, Board of the Order of the Alamo, and has served as
Chairman of the 1990 and 1991 Cattle Barons' Gala for the American Cancer Society. Mr.
Douglass is also a member of the German Club. While at the University of Texas he was
a member of the Texas Cowboys where he served as President. He is a member of the
Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. Mr. Douglass resides in the Alamo Heights
Independent School District.
Harold Putman, Jr., Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1964 after receiving his B.A. in
1961 and J.D. in 1964 from St. Mary's University. He attended grade school in the Alamo
Heights ISD and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. Mr Putman has been with
HGB &W for 11 years and serves the needs of clients in Bexar County and the South Texas
Regional Area. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial and Personal Injury Trial Law by the
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has been admitted before the U.S. Court of Appeals,
12
Fifth Circuit and U.S. District Court, Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Mr. Putman
resides in the Alamo Heights Independent School District. He has eleven years of
experience in delinquent tax collection.
Richard R. Orsinger, Of Counsel Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1975 after receiving
his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Orsinger has served as Course
Director and Lecturer for many State Bar Continuing Legal Education Institutes and
Seminars. He directed the first Texas Academy of Family Law specialist Annual Trial
Institute in 1987. He has presented more than 25 papers on Marital Property, Interstate
Jurisdiction and Enforcement and Appeals. He has served on the State Bar Committees for
Pattern Jury Charge and Family Law and the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Family
Law Advisory Commission. Mr. Orsinger is a Fellow for the American Academy of
Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the San Antonio Family Lawyers Association. He
is Board Certified in Family Law and in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization, and is an active trial lawyer in other areas of practice. Mr. Orsinger is
admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit;
U.S. District Court, Southern and Western Districts. He is a member of the State Bar of
Texas, San Antonio Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He resides in the King
William District in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Statewide Attorneys
DeMetris Aquilla Sampson, Managing Attorney - Dallas County, was admitted to the Bar
in 1980 after receiving her B.B.A. and her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. She
also received her L.L.M. (Taxation) from Southern Methodist University School of Law. She
is a regional partner of the firm and is responsible for general ad valorem tax litigation in
the North Texas area. Her previous experience includes serving as an Assistant City
Attorney for the City of San Antonio, serving as Chief Counsel to the Texas House of
Representatives Judicial Affairs Committee, serving as an Assistant District Attorney in
Dallas County. A former President of the Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys,
she has been active in the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Women Lawyers Association,
the J.L. Turner Legal Association. She is also a member of the State Bar of Texas. Ms.
Sampson resides in Dallas and.has four years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
Stephen T. Meeks, Managing Attorney - Tarrant County, was admitted to the Bar in 1975
after receiving his B.B.A. and J.D. from Baylor University where he was President of the
Student Bar and a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. Mr. Meeks is responsible
for managing the Tarrant County collection program. He teaches 'The Texas Property Tax
System," and education course designed by the firm and certified by the Texas Education
Agency for school board member accreditation. He has been engaged in the private
practice of law in Tarrant County since 1975 and has served on the YMCA Board of
Directors. He has served on the Hurst - Euless- Bedford Independent School District Board
of Trustees where he also served as Secretary. Mr. Meeks is admitted to practice before the
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas
and Tarrant County Bar Association. Mr. Meeks resides in Fort Worth and has four years
of experience in delinquent tax collection.
13
Joyce Langenegger, Managing Attorney - Houston, was admitted to the Bar in 1976 after
receiving a B.A. and J.D. Cum Laude from Baylor University. She has been with HGB &W
for three years and is responsible for all aspects of the Houston Regional Office including
collections, litigation, research and administration. Ms. Langenegger was previously general
counsel for Title U.S.A. Insurance Corporation. She is a member of the Texas Bar
Association and the Woman's Club of Houston. Ms. Langenegger is a bereavement
volunteer at the Hospice at the Texas Medical Center and volunteers in the Mentorship
Program at Marshall Middle School. She resides in Houston, Texas.
Clayton Mayfield, Managing Attorney - Jefferson County & East Texas, was admitted to the
Bar in 1974 after receiving his B.A. from Prairie View A & M University and his J.D. from
Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Mr. Mayfield teaches 'The
Texas Property Tax System ", an education course designed by the firm and certified by the
Texas Education Agency for school board member accreditation. He has served in the
Judge Advocate General's Corps, as a Captain in the U.S. Army, and in private practice in
Jefferson County. Mr. Mayfield is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals,
Fifth Circuit; U. S. District Court, Eastern District of : Texas; and U.S. Court of Military
Appeals. Prior to joining the firm in 1988, he was a partner with the firm of Davis, Mayfield
and Baugh in Beaumont where he gained extensive experience in real estate, probate, family
and criminal law. His community involvement includes Board of Sickle Cell Anemia
Association, Co- Chairman of Friendship Beaumont, YMCA Board of Directors, MHMR
Board and the United Negro College Fund. He is a member of the Jefferson County Bar
Association, Jefferson County Black Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association.
Mr. Mayfield resides in Beaumont, Texas, and has four years of experience in delinquent tax
collection.
Bennett J. Roberts, Jr., Managing Attorney - Gulf Coast area, was admitted to the Bar in
1958, after receiving his L.L.B. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is admitted to
practice before the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas. Mr. Roberts is
responsible for tax litigation and appraisal district representation in the Gulf Coast area.
Prior to joining the firm in 1987, Mr. Roberts was in private practice for 32 years where he
gained extensive experience in oil and gas, real estate, and securities law. He is a member
of the State Bar of Texas and Houston Bar Association. Mr. Roberts resides in Conroe,
Texas.
Christopher Lee Phillippe, Managing Attorney - Rio Grande Valley, was admitted to the Bar
in 1983 after receiving his B.A. from the University of Missouri and his J.D. from the South
Texas College of taw where he was on the Dean's List. He is admitted to practice before
U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas; U.S. Tax Court; and U.S.
Court of International Trade. Mr. Phillippe is responsible for tax litigation in the Rio
Grande Valley. He is a former Assistant County Attorney for Montgomery County and
former City Attorney for the City of Montgomery. He served on the Board of the Industrial
Communication Council, International Association of Business Communication. He received
the Award of Excellence by the Society of Technical Communication. Mr. Phillippe is a
member of the State Bar of Texas, Cameron County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers
14
Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He resides in the City of
Point Isabel and has five years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
Michael W. Deeds, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1984 after receiving his B.A. from
the University of Houston where he was President of the Mortar Board Honor Society and
J.D. from St. Mary's School of Law. In 1980 Mr. Deeds was selected to the Who's Who
Among Colleges and Universities. Mr. Deeds was employed with HGB &W in 1989 and has
coordinated a statewide bankruptcy program that has significantly increased the amount of
taxes collected in the bankruptcy courts. Mr. Deeds has been a featured speaker for many
tax assessor groups regarding tax collection strategies and activities relating to the RTC and
other federal agencies. He also teaches "The Texas Property Tax System ", an education
course designed by the firm and certified by the Texas Education Agency for school board
member accreditation. He gained extensive experience in bankruptcy, lender liability and
collections when he worked for three years in private practice with the San Antonio law firm
of Daniels & Daniels. Prior to joining the firm he worked for Exxon Co., U.S.A., where he
was responsible for maintenance and acquisition of producing properties for Exxon. He is
admitted to practice before U.S. District Court in the Southern, Northern and Western
Districts of Texas. Mr. Deeds is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of
Texas, Texas Trial Lawyers Association and Texas Young Lawyers Association. He resides
in Dallas and has five years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
Sydna H. Gordon, Attorney, was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1977 after receiving her B.A.
from East Texas State University and her J.D. from Southern Methodist University. Ms.
Gordon represents the firm in litigation involving the RTC in addition to appearing before
regular tax dockets. She teaches The Texas Property Tax System ", an education course
designed by the firm and certified by the Texas Education Agency for school board member
accreditation. She has been engaged in the private practice of law in Garland, Texas, and
has also served as Senior Attorney for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Mrs. Gordon
is currently a trustee for the Garland Independent School District, having served as
President, Vice- President and Secretary of the Board. She is admitted to practice in the
U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, Northern District, and the U.S.
District Court, Eastern District. Her community involvement includes fundraising for
Garland YWCA, President of the American Association of University Women (Garland
branch), former Director of the Garland Chamber of Commerce, and Exchange Club of
Rowlett. Mrs. Gordon is a member of the Texas Bar Association, Garland Bar Association,
Executive Women of Dallas, Texas Association of School Boards, North Texas Area
Association of School Boards, and Texans for Local Control of Public Education. Ms.
Gordon resides in Garland and has five years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
William I. King, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1979 after receiving his B.A. and J.D.
from the University of Houston. For the past four years Mr. King has been an advisor for
the firm's operations and bankruptcy program. He has served as President and Chairman
of Title, U.S.A., Inc., a national title company with offices in Houston. Mr. King is active
in Gulf Coast community affairs including the United Negro College Fund, the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation and the Texas Land Title Association. He resides in Houston and has
four years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
15
Elaine Prappas, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1989 after receiving a B.A. from the
University of Texas and a J.D. from the South Texas College of Law. She joined the firm
this year with eight years of experience in delinquent tax collection. She is a member of the
State Bar of Texas, Texas Young Lawyers Association, Fort Bend County and Houston Bar
Associations, and Harris County Ad Valorem Tax Attorneys Association. Ms. Prappas is on
the Board of Trustees for the Avondale House for Autistic Children in Houston, Texas. She
resides in Houston, Texas.
Leah Bisk, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1987 after obtaining a B.M. and J.D. from
the University of Texas at Austin. She joined the firm this year to handle bankruptcy and
other tax litigation. Ms. Bisk gained previous civil litigation experience while working with
the law firm of Fisher and Cain in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the State Bar of
Texas, Houston Bar Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. She has one year of
delinquent tax collection experience and resides in Houston, Texas.
Brian K. Davis, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1986 after receiving his B.A. from
Oklahoma Baptist University and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa. Prior to joining the
firm this year, Mr. Davis practiced for three years with the firm of Ross & Hartley, P.C.,
where he gained extensive experience in bankruptcy and ad valorem tax litigation. Mr.
Davis participated in Leadership Arlington through the Greater Chamber of Commerce.
He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas. Mr.
Davis is a member of the Tarrant County and Tulsa County Bar Associations, the Tarrant
County Young Lawyers Association and the State Bar of Texas. He resides in Arlington and
has five years of experience in ad valorem tax law.
Lupe Zamarripa, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1973 after receiving his B.A. from
the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center.
Mr. Zamarripa has been with the firm since 1984 serving the needs of our clients in Bexar
County and the South Texas Regional Area. He has served as Special Assistant Attorney
General, as Special Counsel to the Texas Secretary of State and as Special Assistant to the
Governor. Mr. Zamarripa also served as political reporter for the Daily Journal in Carcas,
Venezuela. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Aus Symphony, Board of
Directors for Travis County Shelter for Abused Infants and Children and is General Counsel
for the Texas Partners of the Americas. Mr. Zamarripa is also a volunteer for the St.
Vincent de Paul Society which aids disadvantaged families and children in the Austin area.
He participated in Leadership Austin through the Greater Chamber of Commerce and
Texas Lycum, a statewide network of leaders in Texas who promote a better Texas. Mr.
Zamarripa resides in Austin, Texas, and has seven years of experience in delinquent tax
collection.
Olivero E. Canales, Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1977 after receiving his B.S. and
J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been admitted to the U.S. Court of
Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and U.S. District Court, Western and Southern Districts of Texas.
He served as Chairman of the Admissions and Grievances Committee for the U.S. District
Court, Southern District. He has served as First Assistant District Attorney of Webb
County, and also as Assistant County Attorney for Webb County, Texas. Mr. Canales
resides in Laredo and has five years of experience in delinquent tax collection.
16
George Prappas, Of Counsel Attorney, was admitted to the Bar in 1964 after receiving his
B.A. in History and M.E. from the University of Michigan and J.D. from the South Texas
School of Law. Mr. Prappas has been in private practice since 1967 with the firm of
Prappas and Prappas specializing in ad valorem tax litigation. He has represented more
than 60 taxing authorities in the collection of delinquent ad valorem taxes. Mr. Prappas is
admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. He is a member of the State Bar
of Texas and Houston Bar Association. Mr. Prappas has 27 years of delinquent tax
collection experience and resides in Houston, Texas.
Certain attorneys with the firm have been awarded a Certificate of Special
Competence in various areas, including Civil Trial Law, Family Law, Criminal
Law, Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law, as noted above.
Except as noted, the attorneys listed are not certified by the Texas Board of
Legal Specialization. No designation has been made by the Texas Board of
Legal Specialization for a Certificate of Speciar Competence in the area of
delinquent tax collection.
HGB &W Management /Administration
David J. Dartez, Systems Operations Manager, started with the firm eleven years ago and
was instrumental in coordinating the development of the first computer technology designed
for the collection of delinquent taxes on behalf of the firm. He continues to monitor the
firm's development of new software technology and improvements on existing systems.
Further, he coordinates technology transfer among our regional offices. Mr. Dartez provides
consulting services to our clients on their software and computer needs for tax collection and
other governmental functions. He has served as Director of Information Services for Bexar
County, Project Leader for Philco -Ford at NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center and was
Senior Systems Analyst for the City of Houston. Mr. Dartez resides in the San Antonio
Independent School District.
Gregory DeWinne, C.P.A., Director of Finance, received a B.B.A from St. Mary's University
after attending Mount Sacred Heart and Antonian High School in San Antonio, Texas. He
has been with HGB &W for more than five years and is responsible for the management of
budgets, auditing, payroll, accounts payable and investments for the firm statewide. Before
joining the firm, he served as Vice President of Finance for Glastron- Conroy, Ltd., as Audit
Manager for Arthur Young and Company, and as Audit Senior for Melton & Melton,
CPA's. Mr. DeWinne is a member of the Management Advisory Services Committee, the
Texas Society of CPA's and the American Institute of CPA's. He is involved with the
Belgian American Club of Texas, the Beethoven Maennerchor and Tau Delta Sigma
Fraternity. Mr. DeWinne resides in the Judson Independent School District.
Carri L Baker, Client and Public Relations Specialist, holds a B.B.A. degree from Texas
A &M University. She has been employed with HGB &W for six years coordinating the
firm's marketing and public relations activities. She works with the media and clients around
17
the state to provide public information to the community on the firm's activities. Ms. Baker
coordinates the firm's participation with government related associations and other special
events. For the Greater San Antonio Chamber she serves on the Government Affairs
Council and Education Council Subcommittees. She is a member of TAAO, TACA, TASA,
TASBO, Women In Communications, World Affairs Council and the Junior League of San
Antonio. She serves on the Cattle Barons' Gala Executive Committee for the American
Cancer Society, Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center President's Council, San Antonio A &M
Club Board of Directors, 12th Man Foundation Board of Directors and is Chapter Director
of the Delta Zeta Sorority at St. Mary's University. She resides in the Alamo Heights
Independent School District.
Margaret Landholt Power, C.P.A., Manager of Bexar County and South Texas Region
Operations, graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.B.A. in
Accounting and Management after attending St. Anthony School and Incarnate Word High
School. For the first two years of employment with the firm she served as Internal Auditor
for Statewide Operations. Mrs. Power now manages the daily tax operations with
accompanying personnel responsibilities. She prepares budget reports, collection analyses
and cash flow projections for HGB &W and prepares analyses for Bexar County jurisdictions.
She has more than four years of experience in delinquent tax collection. She was previously
employed as Senior Staff Accountant with Deloitte & Touche and as Controller with
Property Company of America. Mrs. Power is a member of the San Antonio Chapter of
CPA's, the Real Estate Financial Society and the Institute of Management Accountants and
works as a San Antonio Museum Association Volunteer. Mrs. Power resides in the San
Antonio Independent School District.
Nancy Primeaux, Regional Manager, North Texas, holds a B.A. in Plan II (a liberal arts
honors program) and a M.S.S.W. in Planning and Policy Development from the University
of Texas at Austin. She has experience in Public Administration, having served as the Tax
Assessor - Collector for the City of Dallas and Dallas Independent School District, and the
Director of the Municipal Court System for the City of Dallas and as the Grants and
Contract Manager for Dallas County. Ms. Primeaux manages the tax operations for the firm
in the North Texas area. She has been named to the Outstanding Women of Texas and is
a member of the Texas Association of Assessing Officers and Association of Women Execu-
tives. She has ten years of experience in delinquent tax collection. Ms. Primeaux resides
in Dallas, Texas.
Roger Ortiz, Regional Manager - Rio Grande Valley Operations, has obtained an AAS
Degree in Mid - Management, AAS Degree in Tax Office Administration and has received
the designations of R.T.A., C.S. T.A. and C.T.A. from the State Board of Tax Professional
Examiners and the Institute of Certified Tax Administrators. He previously served as Tax
Assessor- Collector for the City of Brownsville and the Brownsville ISD. Mr. Ortiz has
eighteen years of experience in all areas of ad valorem taxation.
18
HGB &W Data Processing
Richard H. Pachecano, Director of Data Processing, received a B.B.A. in Accounting and
Business Data Systems from the University of Texas at San Antonio after graduating from
Memorial High School. He is responsible for the direction and management of all phases
of the law firm's computer support organization and manages a staff of 26 computer
professionals. Mr. Pachecano also participates in marketing efforts of the firm by working
with senior client staff members and elected officials on computer - related issues and
conducting or participating in software demonstrations and tax system development
workshops. He has been employed with the firm for more than six years. Mr. Pachecano
previously served as Deputy Director of Information Systems for Bexar County and as
Applications Manager responsible for the County's Financial, Tax Collections and
Automobile Registration Systems. He is a member of Texas Association of Assessing
Officers and serves as an elected member of the Pastoral Council, an appointed member of
the Finance Council and as a volunteer Chairman of the Fiesta Coordinating Committee for
festivals at St. Helena's Catholic Church. Mr. Pachecano resides in the North East
Independent School District where his three children attend schools.
Lloyd Waguespack, C.P.A., Director of Current Tax Systems, received a B.B.A. in
Accounting from the University of Houston. He is also a certified Tax Assessor- Collector
by the State of Texas. Mr. Waguespack coordinates all current tax operation installations
statewide. He was previously Comptroller for the Houston Independent School District and
as C.P.A. for Deloitte, Haskin and Sells. Mr. Waguespack is a member of the Texas
Association of Assessing Officers, American Institute of C.P.A's and Texas Society of
C.P.A.'s. He volunteers for the Student Monitoring Program at Houston ISD. Mr.
Waguespack has 14 years of experience in tax collection and resides in Sugar Land, Texas.
Terry Houwerzyl, Systems Manager - Ad Valorem Tax, has more than 21 years of Electronic
Data Processing experience. He graduated from Grand Rapids College in Michigan with
an A.A. in Arts and Sciences. Mr. Houwerzyl directs the design, development and
implementation of the UGSA Current Tax System, directs the operations of the firm's
Hewlett Packard computer system in support of the current tax operations and supervises
the efforts of seven programmers and the Hewlett Packard operations staff. He served as
Senior Analyst responsible for programming and installation of the Bexar County Ad
Valorem Tax Collection System and served in the U.S. Air Force and as Supervisor of
computer operations. Mr. Houwerzyl resides in the Judson Independent School District.
Ellen Brander, Systems Manager, received a B.A. from the University of Colorado in
Boulder, Colorado. She is responsible for the analysis of software design for Bexar County
database and has been employed with HGB &W for more than eight years. Ms. Brander was
previously employed with Tower Life Insurance Company as a Programmer /Analyst where
she installed and maintained the accounting and cash disbursement systems. She is a
contributing member of KLRN, the National Wildlife Federation, the National Wildflower
Research Institute and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Ms. Brander resides in the
Southside Independent School District.
19
Felix Lopez, Manager of Production and Mailing Control, holds a B.B.A. from St. Mary's
University and a M.B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He attended grade
school in San Antonio and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Mr. Lopez is
responsible for directing the daily data processing productions functions, controlling and
verifying accuracy of mailings and reporting activity and reviewing and analyzing statistical
data for all delinquent tax rolls. He supervises nine data processing employees and allocates
personnel and equipment resources as needed to complete assigned projects in a timely
manner. He also oversees the coordination of all the steps in the mailing process. He has
been employed with the firm for more than five years. Mr. Lopez was previously employed
at Omni Interest, Inc. as Manager of Data Processing. He participates' in fundraising
activities at St. Luke's. Mr. Lopez resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Susan Schalk, Programmer, holds a B.S. from Trinity University. She has been with
HGB &W for more than six years and is responsible for maintenance and development of
current tax systems. Ms. Schalk is a member of the Junior League of San Antonio where
she volunteers at the Detoxification Center of San Antonio. She resides in the San Antonio
Independent School District.
Don O'Brien, Case Tracking System Analyst, holds a B.S. from Miami University of Ohio.
He is responsible for implementing the Case Tracking computer system network throughout
the regional offices. He analyzes the manual functions required by each office and applies
these actions to the system. He then trains the personnel to use the system. Mr. O'Brien
also monitors the interaction between data processing and various internal departments
within the firm's organization as well as external offices such as the District Clerk's offices
and U.S. Postal Service. He has been employed with HGB &W for more than six years. Mr.
O'Brien was previously employed as a hardware and software representative for Valcom
Computer Center. He resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Paula Starnes, Mailing Coordinator, received her B.A. in Management from Southwest
Texas State University after attending grade school in the Harlandale ISD and graduating
from McCollum High School. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than four
years and is responsible for delinquent and current mailings statewide by coordinating
delinquent and current tax mailings statewide with the respective client, regional office and
post office. Ms. Starnes was previously employed as senior production analyst at Alamo
Community College District; She is a member of the San Antonio Women's Chamber of
Commerce and serves on the United Way Allocations Panel. Ms. Starnes resides in the San
Antonio Independent School District.
Melissa Boulch, Reporting Specialist, received an Associates Degree in English from
Houston Community College. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than four
years and is responsible for compiling and developing reports reflecting delinquent and
collection status for all jurisdictions. Ms. Boulch also assists in coordinating monthly mailings
and statistical reports of tax roll information. She was previously employed with Kilroy
Company of Texas and Superior Oil Company. Ms. Boulch resides in Canyon Lake in the
Comal Independent School District.
20
Martin Rangel, Delinquent Systems Manager, received his A.A. from San Antonio College
in Computer Sciences and currently is pursuing his B.A. in Computer Science at the
University of Texas at San Antonio. He attended grade school in San Antonio and
graduated from Holy Cross High School. Mr. Rangel is responsible for researching and
analyzing technical information for new delinquent systems and delegating program and /or
system modifications of existing systems to other delinquent programmers. He also
supervises two other programmers on assignments, time schedules, special projects and
requests. He insures that system utility programs modification problems are assessed and
reported immediately. Mr. Rangel has been employed with HGB &W for more than six
years. He was previously employed as the lead computer operator at GPM Life Insurance
Company for five years. Mr. Rangel resides in the Harlandale Independent School District.
Metta M. Miller, Network Administrator, received a B.S., Summa Cum Laude, from
Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. She has been employed with HGB &W for
more than five years and is responsible for management of the statewide on -line computer
network between HGB &W offices and tax offices. Ms. Miller belongs to the honor society
of Phi Kappa Phi and is a volunteer for the Humane Society. She resides in the San
Antonio Independent School District.
Crystal Blue, Programmer, received a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio
after attending grade schools in San Antonio and graduating from Southwest High School.
She joined the firm this year and is responsible for developing on -line and batch programs
for users. Ms. Blue was previously a programmer /analyst in the U.S. Army. She resides in
the Harlandale Independent School District.
Weldon M. Cagle, Programmer /Analyst, attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls,
Texas. He has been employed with the firm for one year and is responsible for the analysis,
development, implementation and maintenance of the current tax system. Mr. Cagle
previously worked with the City Water Board and Information Science, Inc. as a program-
mer /analyst and at the Education Service Center - Region 20 in the Senior Analyst Systems
Division. He resides in the Judson Independent School District.
Sandra D. Hernandez, Programmer /Analyst, received an Associates Applied Science Degree
in Computer Operations from San Antonio College and is currently pursuing a B.A.A.S. in
Management at Southwest Texas State University. She joined the firm this year and is
responsible for the analysis, development, implementation and maintenance of delinquent
tax systems. She was previously employed at Gill Savings as a programmer and operations
support analyst. Ms. Hernandez is a member of the San Antonio Jaycees and resides in the
Hidden Meadows subdivision in the Northside Independent School District.
Barbara Mangum, Programmer /Analyst, received her B.A. Magna Cum Laude from David
Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee, and her A.S. in Business Data Processing
Technology from Nashville State Technical Institute. She has been employed with HGB &W
for more than five years and is responsible for the analysis, development, implementation
and maintenance of delinquent tax systems. Ms. Mangum previously worked at United
Methodist Publishing House where she developed and maintained mainframe computer
programs. She is a life member of the American Association of University Women. Ms.
21
Mangum resides in the University Oaks subdivision in the Northside Independent School
District.
Sandra B. Ross, Programmer, received a B.B.A. in Statistics from Southern Methodist
University. She is responsible for the maintenance and development of delinquent tax
systems and has been employed with HGB &W for almost two years. Ms. Ross was
previously employed at Occidental Petroleum as a Programmer /Analyst. She is a member
of the Lamar PTA, a volunteer for public television and a leader for both the Girl Scouts
and Boy Scouts. Ms. Ross resides in the New Braunfels Independent School District.
David Seguin, Programmer, received a B.A. in Computer Science from the University of
Texas at Austin after graduating from Harlandale High School. He joined the firm this year
and is responsible for programming and testing new current tax systems. Mr. Seguin resides
in the North East Independent School District.
Angela Shaffer, Programmer /Analyst, received her B.B.A. from the University of Iowa. She
has been with HGB &W for more than five years and works with users on current tax
systems. Ms. Shaffer also codes, programs, tests and implements new programs and
enhancements. She previously worked as a user analyst at Interstate Power Company in
Dubuque, Iowa. Ms. Shaffer is a member of the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers. She
resides in the North East Independent School District.
Deborah K. Smith, Programmer /Analyst, received a B.S. in Computer Science from the
University of Texas at Dallas and is currently working toward a M.B.A. at the University of
Texas at San Antonio. She graduated from Roosevelt High School. Ms. Smith has been
employed with HGB &W for one year and is responsible for coding, programming and
testing on the current tax system programs. She was previously employed as a data
processing manager for BPI and worked as a programmer /analyst for DCI and Compucan.
Ms. Smith resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Robert Hatcher, Production Assistant, received a B.B.A. from Angelo State University and
is currently pursuing a Master's Degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has
been employed with HGB &W for more than four years and is responsible for computer
production of letters and lawsuits using on -line and batch processing based on a magnetic
tape inventory. Mr. Hatcher also updates delinquent rolls with information received in our
office and then generates reports and statements. He is a member of the MacArthur Park
Church of Christ. Mr. Hatcher resides in the North East Independent School District.
Kevyn Schneider, System Operator, graduated from Sam Houston State University with a
B.S. in Photography, after attending grade school in San Antonio and graduating from John
Jay High School. Mr. Schneider is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Programming.
He joined the firm this year and is responsible for operating the Hewlett Packard 3000
System. This entails system and database tuning, backing up data, running all regular and
special request jobs and balancing the account. Mr. Schneider was previously an
administrative assistant with Edman R. Zink & Associates in charge of computer network
management and was the general manager for Taco Cabana, Inc. He resides in the North
East Independent School District.
22
Brenda L Irle, Production Assistant, received a B.B.A. from Tarleton State University after
attending grade school in Harlandale ISD and graduating from McCollum High School. She
has been employed with HGB &W for more than three years and is responsible for the
transfer of jurisdictional tape information into the format necessary for the firm's software
application to process lawsuits during mailings. Ms. Irle was previously employed with
Jordan Ford as a computer operator. She is member of the Madison Hills Baptist Church.
Ms. Irle resides in the North East Independent School District.
Maria Teresa Martinez, Production Assistant, attended San Antonio College and St. Mary's
University. She has been with HGB &W for more than five years and is responsible for
processing computer tapes, creating system documentation, and producing reports. Ms.
Martinez was previously employed at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a
volunteer usher at the Majestic Theatre. Ms. Martinez resides in the Northside Independent
School District where her son attends school.
Lisa Guadiano, Receptionist, attended San Antonio College after graduating from Wheatley
High School. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than three years and is
responsible for answering the switchboard, distributing the daily production schedule and
processing mail. Ms. Guadiano was previously employed at Alamo Community College in
the Information Systems Department. She resides in the San Antonio Independent School
District.
Michelle Kalisek, Administrative Assistant, has been employed with HGB &W for more than
eight years. She is responsible for budget allocation distribution and personnel time tracking
in addition to typing correspondence and making travel arrangements for the data processing
department. Ms. Kalisek was previously employed with Harris, Havins, CPA's. She resides
in Pleasanton, Texas.
Sara Sanchez, Data Entry Clerk, attended San Antonio College after graduating from
Harlandale High School. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than seven years
and is responsible for data entry and other office support services. Ms. Sanchez resides in
the Harlandale Independent School District where her two children attend school.
Andrew Wilson, Data Entry Clerk, graduated from Kansas City Community College in 1987.
He started with HGB &W this year and is responsible for data entry of lawsuit information,
as well as assiting the file room clerk. Mr. Wilson was previously employed with the
Marriott.
Juanita Valdez, Data Entry/Magnetic Media Control Clerk, received an A.A.S. in Accounting
from San Antonio College after graduating from Fox Tech High School. She has been
employed with HGB &W for more than four years and is responsible for .data, entry of
lawsuit information. Ms. Valdez was previously employed in the. Work Study Program at
San Antonio College. She resides in the San Antonio Independent School District where
her two children attend school.
Graciela Delgado, Data Entry Clerk, attended St. Phillip's College after graduating from
Lanier High School. She joined the firm this year and is responsible for entry of abstract
23
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and title information for the preparation of lawsuits. Ms. Delgado was previously employed
with the Alamo Community College District. She is a member of the PTA and the Church
of Christ. Ms. Delgado resides in the San Antonio Independent School District where her
son attends school.
Jim Ornelas, Courier, graduated from Edison High School. He has been employed with
HGB &W for almost two years and performs a variety of duties including assisting in data
entry, maintaining scratch tapes and delivering data tapes to the appropriate departments
and personnel. Mr. Ornelas resides in the Northside Independent School District where his
two children attend school.
San Antonio Office Tax Administration:
Brian Kelley, Operations Manager, obtained an Associates Degree in 1983 from San
Antonio College and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for two years after
graduating from John Jay High School. Mr. Kelley developed the Case Tracking System for
our litigation program and is responsible for the maintenance and management of the system
for all jurisdictions represented by the law firm in Bexar County. He has worked for
HGB &W for more than ten years. Mr. Kelley was previously employed in the Bexar County
District Clerk's Office as Supervisor of the Tax Department. He is currently the Secretary
for the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. Mr. Kelley resides in the Northside Independent
School District.
Caryn Lye, Lawsuit Production Manager, graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in
Managerial Studies/Political Science and was named to the National Dean's List and the
Presidential Honor Roll. While at Rice University, she was captain of the Women's Varsity
Volleyball Team and received the Hally Beth Poindexter Award. Ms. Lye supervises eight
(8) employees and is responsible for programming and maintaining of Lawsuit Production's
automated document preparation system for generating lawsuits for clients statewide. Her
department generates more than 25,000 lawsuits on an annual basis. She also coordinates
production and filing procedures with Data Processing, HGB &W regional offices and the
District Clerk's staff. Ms. Lye has been employed with the firm for seven years. She is a
member of Concordia Lutheran Church. Ms. Lye resides in the North East Independent
School District where her child attends school.
Elaine Mika, Litigation/Research Supervisor, is registered for certification as Tax Assessor -
Collector with the State Property Tax Board. Ms. Mika has been with the firm since 1987.
She supervises a litigation staff of five (5) legal assistants responsible for the preparation of
legal document for the trial process which include judgments, interventions, amended
petitions, dismissals /nonsuits, etc. She also supervises a research staff of five (5) legal
assistants who are responsible for researching and obtaining service on defendants in the
lawsuit. These legal assistants have experience in real estate, deed records and legal
research. Ms. Mika was previously the Chief Deputy Tax Assessor- Collector for ten years
with the Dewitt County Tax Assessor - Collector in Cuero, Texas. She is a member of the
Alamo Area Professional Legal Assistants Association. Ms. Mika resides in the North East
24
Independent School District. Her daughter, Marlene, is presently in the 11th grade at
Churchill High School.
Mark D. Garlick, Phone Bank/Taxpayer Assistance Supervisor, obtained a B.A. in Spanish
from St. Mary's University and a M.A. in English with Honors from the University of Texas
at San Antonio. He is responsible for responding to taxpayer inquiries by phone or mail and
resolving problems with the Appraisal District and Tax Office. Mr. Gorlick has been
employed with HGB &W for nine years. He has taught speech and debate at Central
Catholic Marianist High School for eight years. Mr. Gorlick is fluent in Spanish and is a
lifelong member of the National Forensic League. He serves as chairman of the Tobin Hill
Beautification Committee for the Tobin Hill Neighborhood Association and is a member of
the San Antonio Conservation Society. Mr. Gorlick resides in the San Antonio Independent
School District.
Sharon Perkins, Federal Agency Collections Supervisor/Paralegal, obtained her paralegal
certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, an Associate of Arts Degree from
San Antonio College, and a B.S. Degree from Wayland Baptist University. She is a certified
Peace Officer for the State of Texas. Ms. Perkins acts as a liaison with FDIC, RTC, VA,
HUD, U.S. Attorney's Office and U.S. Marshall's Service for the collection of complex
delinquent accounts. She also monitors federal agency activities and takeovers of financial
institutions. Ms. Perkins has been employed with HGB &W for more than four years. She
was previously a private investigator for the insurance and legal professions investigating
fraud, suspicious loss /arson/theft. Ms. Perkins is a member of the State Bar of Texas Legal
Assistants Division and the Texas Peace Officer Association. Ms. Perkins is a member of
the PTA at Krueger Middle School where her daughter, Laura, is a student. She resides in
the North East Independent School District.
David Gonzalez, Phone Collections Specialist, attends the University of Texas at San Antonio
where he is working toward a degree in Business Management. He previously attended
Cambridge Elementary School, Alamo Heights Junior High School and graduated from
Alamo Heights High School. Mr. Gonzalez works with large businesses, mortgage
companies and lending institutions in the collection of delinquent taxes throughout Bexar
County. His collection efforts amount to $500,000 to $750,000 each month. He coordinates
the selection of personal property seizure candidates, assists HGB &W attorneys by
researching difficult case files and assists taxpayers who require installment payment
arrangements. He has been employed with HGB &W for more than eight years. Mr.
Gonzalez supports Easter Seals, March of Dimes and Muscular Dystrophy. He resides in
the Alamo Heights Independent School District.
Keith Alaniz, Phone Collections Specialist - Regional Jurisdictions, received a B.B.A. from
Texas A &M and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence at St. Mary's Law School. Mr. Alaniz
works with local Tax Assessors and other government officials assisting to streamline local
operations and promoting better efficiency between the jurisdictions and HGB &W. He
coordinates the selection of personal property seizure candidates, assists HGB &W attorneys
by researching difficult case files and assists taxpayers who require installment payment
arrangements. Mr. Alaniz is also responsible for the handling of collections on targeted
accounts for South San Antonio ISD.
25
Elsa Diaz, Tax Litigation Assistant, attended Trinity University, the University of Texas at
San Antonio and San Antonio College. She has been employed with HGB &W for five years
and is responsible for researching and setting cases for sheriffs sales. Ms. Diaz is also the
legal aid representative working with the Tax Office on all legal aid clients. She was
previously the Loan Document Control Supervisor with Gill Savings. Ms. Diaz resides in the
San Antonio Independent School District.
Robert Canales, Tax Litigation Assistant, attended the University of Texas at Austin where
he majored in economics and minored in government. He joined the firm this year and is
responsible for re- issuing and coding citations and conducting research on problem accounts
identified by the firm. He was previously employed with the City of Lake Jackson as a tax
assistant where he was responsible for taxpayer assistance and posting receivables. Mr.
Canales resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Sylvia Ann Cavazos, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. from St. Mary's University in
1990. She joined the firm this year and researches cases and prepares default judgments,
prepares agreed judgments and provides bilingual assistance to taxpayers. Ms. Cavazos was
previously employed at the St. Mary's University Law Library and at the United Parcel
Service. She is a member of the St. Mary's University Campus Ministry Staff, the Pre -Law
Society and the Volunteers in Support of Admissions. Ms. Cavazos resides in the North
East Independent School District.
Leo Devora, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. in Communication Arts from Texas
A &M University in 1991. He joined the firm this year and researches cases and investigates
addresses for defendants to be cited, interprets the court process to defendants and
accurately files and records, each citation with the District Clerk's Office. Prior to joining
the firm Mr. Devora taught at South San Antonio ISD and at Brozos County Detention
Center. He is a youth ministry coordinator at St. Clare Church. Mr. Devora is a member
of the San Antonio Public Relations Society.
Raul Rodriguez, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. in Public Administration from Our
Lady of the Lake University in 1991. Mr. Rodriguez is responsible for filing all interventions
and amended petitions and offer taxpayer assistance. He was previously employed with
LULAC Scholarship Committee, Inc.. He is a member of Our Lady of the Lake University
Student Detention Committee, as well as a member of the Neighborhood Crime Watch
Program Committee.
David Hafernik, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. in Anthropology from the
University of Texas at San Antonio and has completed one year of graduate school in
Anthropology. He attended grade schools in North East ISD and graduated from Robert
E. Lee High School. Mr. Hafemik joined the firm this year and is responsible for
dismissals /non- suits, partial dismissals and correspondence. He was previously employed
with Alexander Utility Engineering as the head illustrator, environmental and cultural analyst
and as an Archaeologist for Texas Parks. He has served on the Texas Historical
Commission and Center for Archaeological Research at University of Texas at San Antonio:
Mr. Hafemik resides in the North East Independent School District.
26
Rebecca S. Longoria, Tax Litigation Assistant, graduated from St. Francis Academy. She
has been employed with HGB &W for three years and is responsible for the preparation of
legal documents and files necessary in setting cases for trial. Ms. Longoria was previously
employed at the Bexar County Tax Office for eight years where she served as Executive
Secretary to the Tax Office Manager and Assistant Manager. She resides in the Harlandale
Independent School District.
Alicia Landers, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. from Texas Tech University. She
joined the firm this year and is responsible for producing amended petitions and
interventions. Before her employment with HGB &W she completed an internship at the
Bexar County District Attorney's Office. Ms. Landers resides in the North East Independent
School District.
Ruth Rich, Tax Litigation Assistant, received a B.A. Degree from Long Island University in
Brooklyn, New York. She has been employed with HGB &W for 10 years and is responsible
for initiating and processing interventions and correspondence, preparing and filing agreed
judgments with the Court, distributing copies of our lawsuits for Intervention/Disclaimer to
other taxing jurisdictions, and assisting delinquent taxpayers. Ms. Rich was previously
employed with the Controllers Institute of America and with the National League for
Nursing. She resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Kelly Bartoskewitz, Tax Litiagation Assistant - Regional Jurisdictions, receive a B.B.S. from
Southwest Texas State University in 1991. She joined the firm this year and is responsible
for taxpayer assistance, address research and preparation of lawsuits for 20 regional
jurisdictions around the Bexar County area. Ms. Hamrick is a member of Phi Upsilon
Omicron, American Council of Consumer Interests and Consumer Interest Association.
Stephanie Smith, Trial Assistant - Regional Jurisdictions, received a B.A. in Political Science
from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She joined the firm this year and is
responsible for the preparation of legal documents and files to set cases for trial and
preparing other correspondence for 20 regional jurisdictions around the Bexar County area.
Ms. Smith is also responsible for taxpayer assistance and address research. She was
previously employed at the Bexar County District Attorney's Office as a research assistant.
Ms. Smith is the Pre -Law Chapter Charter President of Phi Alpha Delta at UTSA and is
recognized in Who's Who Among College Students. She is also a volunteer at the University
of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Ms. Smith resides in the Northside
Independent School District. •
Charlotte Abshire; Legal Research Assistant, received a B.A. in Political Science from the
University of California at San Diego. She joined the firm this year and conducts address
research on lawsuits where abstractor's title •information includes incorrect addresses for
defendants. Ms. Abshire was previously with the California Public Interest Research Group
and mobilized neighborhood support for environmental protection legislation. She is
currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Texas at
San Antonio where she is a member of the MPA Student Association. Ms. Abshire resides
in the Northside Independent School District.
27
Anna R. Herrera, Legal Research Assistant, is a senior at the University of Texas at San
Antonio where is working on a B.B.A. in Management/Marketing. She attended grade
schools in San Antonio before graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. Ms. Herrera
joined the firm in 1989 and is responsible for research and verification of title for real
property accounts and conducts probate research on estate properties. She was previously
employed with the Psychological Corporation as a Production Coordinator. Ms. Herrera
resides in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Barbara J. Rubio, Legal Research Assistant/Taxpayer Assistant, received a B.B.A. in
Business Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio after graduating from
St. Francis Academy. Ms. Rubio joined the firm in 1990 and is responsible for providing
bilingual assistance to taxpayers, researches title information to confirm location for service
of citations on pending lawsuits and prepares writ and abstract documentation. She was
previously employed as a Communications Specialist at AT &T and as a commercial teller
at InterFirst Bank (now NCNB). She resides in the North East Independent School District.
Steven T. Saunders, Legal Research Assistant, received a B.A. in Political Science from the
University of Texas at San Antonio in May, 1991. He joined the firm this year and conducts
title verification and research on delinquent accounts prior to litigation. Mr. Saunders has
previous work experience with AT &T as an Account Executive Assistant and with the U.S.
Postal Service. He was president of the Pre -Law Association and Secretary of the Political
Science Association while at UTSA. Mr. Saunders resides in the Northside Independent
School District.
Andrea Suzanne Turman, Legal Research Assistant, graduated from Trinity University with
a B.A. in Sociology. She joined the firm this year and is responsible for legal service
research, address tracking and training new employees. Ms. Turman was previously
employed with NBC/NCNB in the Consumer Loans Department. She is involved with
Easter Seals. Ms. Turman resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Sara Garza, Assistant Supervisor for Lawsuit Production, attended San Antonio College.
She is responsible for proofing title reports and assembling lawsuits according to the clerk's
specifications. Ms. Garza has been employed with HGB &W for more than eight years. She
was previously employed as a secretary with the San Antonio Police Academy. She resides
in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Christine Gutierrez, Lawsuit Production Coordinator, received a B.A. in Criminal Justice
from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She joined the firm this year and is
responsible for tracking accounts from the time they are turned over to the firm until a
lawsuits is filed. She also verifies and proofs the accuracy of coded title reports. Ms.
Gutierrez was previously employed with the Office of the City Attorney of San Antonio. She
was awarded an internship from the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed
Officials Program. Ms. Gutierrez resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Judith Martin, Lawsuit Production Coordinator, graduated from Abilene Christian High
School. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than four years and is responsible
for assembling lawsuits according to the clerk's specifications. She also verifies and proofs
28
the accuracy of title reports. She previously worked as a legal secretary for a local attorney.
Ms. Martin resides in the North East Independent School District.
J.L. McEntire, Phone Collections Specialist, received a B.A. in History/Political Science from
Texas A & M University and attended Baylor School of Law in Waco. He is responsible
for the collection of complex accounts involved in bankruptcy and federal agencies. He also
works with real estate developers owing taxes on multiple properties. Mr. McEntire has
been employed with HGB &W for almost one year. He was formerly a probation officer for
Be11 County, McLennan County and the United States Government. Mr. McEntire is a
certified Texas Peace Officer, hold a lifetime Teachers Certificate and is an ex- paratrooper,
82nd Airborne Division. He is a volunteer for the PTA and the San Antonio Public Library.
Mr. McEntire resides the North East Independent School District where his two children
attend.
Yvonne Ortiz, Lawsuit Production Coordinator, attended the University of Texas at San
Antonio after graduating from Ursuline Academy. She has been employed with HGB &W
for five years and is responsible for the production and filing of lawsuits, reviewing legal
documents to verify defendant and property information and keeping statistical records of
tax collections. Ms. Ortiz was previously employed at the Bexar County Clerk's Office and
was a substitute teacher in Northside ISD. She resides in the San Antonio Independent
School District.
Irma Rodriguez, Lawsuit Production Coordinator, received a B.B.A. in Marketing from the
University of Texas at San Antonio after graduating from Fox Academic and Technical High
School. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than two years and is responsible
for the production of lawsuits according to the clerk's specifications, coordination of filing
with the clerk's office, review of legal documents to verify defendant and property
information and keeping statistical records of tax collections. Ms. Rodriguez is a member
of the American Marketing Association and is a member of the Oak Hills Church of Christ
and the World of Pentecost. She resides in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Caroline Vargas, Lawsuit Production Coordinator, received a B.A. in Political Science from
Trinity University after graduating from Incarnate Word High School. She has been
employed with HGB &W for more than five years and is responsible for proofreading title
reports and legal documents prior to filing. She is also responsible for assembling lawsuits
according to the clerk's specifications. Ms. Vargas was previously with the Bexar Appraisal
District as a production assistant. She is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic
Church.
Sharon Humble, Legal Assistant - Lawsuit Production, received a B.A. in Political Science
from Southern Methodist University and is currently working on her J.D. at St. Mary's
University School of Law. She attended grade school in San Antonio and graduated from
Roosevelt High School. Ms. Humble has been with HGB &W for more than one year and
is responsible for the production of lawsuits according to the clerk's specifications and
verifying citation of service information for defendants. She was previously employed by the
San Antonio Development Agency as a research intern and by San Antonio Housing Trust
as a research consultant. She is a member of the Bexar County Women's Bar Association
29
Mentor Program and the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association. Ms. Humble is involved
with PEACE Initiative and San Antonio Young Republicans. She resides in the North East
Independent School District.
Yolanda Jimenez, Office Clerk, is a senior at Harlandale High School and assists the Lawsuit
Production Department with various clerical duties. Ms. Jimenez joined the firm through
her high school Vocational Office Education program. She is involved in the Harlandale
High School Spanish Club, Student Council and VOE Club. Ms. Jimenez is involved in
fundraising for her church and for the March of Dimes. She resides in the Harlandale
Independent School District.
Jennifer Ann Aafedt, Trial Setting Clerk, received a B.A. in Spanish from California State
University at Fullerton where she was team captain of the California State University Tennis
Team. She joined the firm this year and is responsible for setting the Bexar County tax
dockets and provides bilingual assistance to delinquent taxpayers. Ms. Aafedt was the
scholarship recipient of the Rotary Club of Fallbrook, California, and is a member of the
Fallbrook Tennis Club/USTA. She resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Francis Xavier Galan, Bankruptcy Clerk - Regional Jurisdictions, received a B.A. from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1990 after graduating from Central Catholic High School.
He has been with the firm for one and one -half years and is responsible for monitoring all
correspondence in bankruptcy cases to protect the interests of taxing authorities, filing
motions to preserve the interests of the client, and researching and coding all bankruptcies
to preserve automatic stays against tax collection proceedings for 20 jurisdictions in the
South Texas area. Mr. Galan previously assisted physicians with their files when he worked
as a medical records clerk at the Baptist Hospital. He is a member of the Cuban Cultural
Center of San Antonio and the Friends of Latin American Studies and is a life member of
the Texas Ex- Students' Association. Mr. Galan resides in the San Antonio Independent
School District.
Sarah Gilliland, File Clerk, received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Trinity
University after attending grade school in San Antonio and graduating from Thomas
Jefferson High School. She has been employed with HGB &W for four years and is
responsible for tracking files and assisting attorneys and litigation assistants at tax dockets.
Ms. Gilliland previously taught elementary school in San Antonio ISD. She resides in the
North East Independent School District.
Tim J. Howard, Clerk/Courier, is currently attending St. Mary's University after attending
grade schools in North East ISD and graduating from Churchill High School. He joined the
firm this year and is responsible for filing and for transporting documents to various tax
offices and other governmental offices. Mr. Howard was previously employed at the Bexar
County Law Library. He resides in the North East Independent School District.
Dianna Ramos, Title Verification Clerk, graduated from McCollum High School in San
Antonio, Texas. She has been employed with HGB &W for more than four years conducting
general research and verifications of title for real property accounts. Ms. Ramos was
previously employed with JD Mobile Homes as a service manager and worked as a secretary
30
for St. Leonards Church. She resides in the South San Antonio ISD where her three
children attend school.
HGB &W Support Services
Andrea Miletich, Administrative Assistant - Marketing, received a B.S. in Business from Oral
Roberts University. She has joined the firm in 1991 and she is responsible for assisting in
the preparation of proposals and performance reports for clients. Ms. Miletich also assists
in the preparation of presentation materials and information for release to the media. She
was previously employed as a billing coordinator and a review appraiser. Ms. Miletich is
currently studying her Masters in Business at Our Lady of the Lake University and is looking
forward to attending St. Mary's Law School.
William M. Merriman, Supervisor of Support Services Staff, graduated from St. Mary's
University in 1961 after attending Central Catholic High School. He is responsible for
coordinating the efforts of the support services staff and has been employed with HGB &W
for four years. Mr. Merriman has 17 years of experience as a radio news reporter and talk
show host. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served in the Korean War. Mr.
Merriman is a member of the S.A. Press Club. He serves as Chaplain of Alamo Post
American Legion, a board member of the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas, is a
member of the LULAC Council and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He serves
part-time as a ring announcer for professional boxing matches. Mr. Merriman resides in the
San Antonio Independent School District.
Ann Schupbach, Legal Assistant, received a B.A. in Advertising and Journalism from
Southern Methodist University and completed paralegal training from the National Center
for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Schupbach joined the firm this year and is
responsible for legal research, drafting and preparation of pleadings, discovery motions and
trial documentation. She works with the attorney and client in facilitating case progression.
She has previous experience as a paralegal with the Atlanta firm of Warner, Mayoue &
Bates, P.C. She volunteers at Planned Parenthood and Legal Aid. Ms. Schupbach is a
member of the Legal Assistants Association and Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She resides
in the Alamo Heights Independent School District.
Debra Pape, Legal Secretary, received an A.A. in Business from Charles County Community
College in La Plata, Maryland. She has been employed with HGB &W for almost two years
and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, calendaring trial dates and
taxpayer assistance. Ms. Pape was previously employed as a secretary at Andrew AFB and
McClellan AFB responsible for general typing, travel arrangements and mail correspon-
dence. She resides in the Judson Independent School District where her two children attend
school.
Christopher D. Grove, Support Services Specialist, is attending the University of Texas at
San Antonio. He has been employed with HGB &W for more than five years and is
responsible for filing court documents, performing legal research and assisting the accounting
department in handling banking transactions. Mr. Grove is a member of the Gulf Coast
31
Conservation Association, Boat Owners of America, Billfish Foundation and the Surfrider
Foundation Conservation Group. He resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Richard E. Hines, Librarian, has been employed with HGB &W for more than one year and
is responsible for maintaining the law library and offering support services to members of
the firm. He was previously a communications specialist in the U.S. Air Force and was
employed by the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Hines is a member of the VFW and the Masons.
He is a councilman at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a junior warden of Pleasanton
Lodge #283 and a member of Pleasanton Eastern Star. Mr. Hines resides in Pleasanton,
Texas.
Gabriel E. Pugliese, Support Services Specialist, has been employed with HGB &W for more
than one year and is responsible for delivering legal documents to law office and govern-
mental offices. He was previously employed with the Civil Service, Olmsted Air Force Base
in Pennsylvania and at Kelly Air Force Base. Mr. Pugliese is a member of the San Antonio
Conservation Society, American Legion Post #2, Christopher Columbus Italian Society, and
the Italo- American Society. He resides in the Northside Independent School District.
Edward J. Rodriguez, Historian, has been employed with HGB &W for five years. He is
responsible for maintaining press clippings concerning tax collection efforts on behalf of the
firm statewide. He was previously the general manager of Wright Sports for 36 years. Mr.
Rodriguez is a member of the Corner Stone Church. He resides in the North East
Independent School District.
Annalise Bittrich, Receptionist, received a B.B.A. in Elementary education with specializa-
tion in Communication Arts from Texas Lutheran College. Ms. Bittrich started with the firm
this year and is responsible for greeting incoming guests, transferring incoming calls,
providing assistance with general office duties and providing special computer skills to
attorneys upon request. She resides in Seguin, Texas.
Christa Rash, Receptionist, received a B.B.A. from Southwest Texas State University where
she majored in Public Relations and minored in English. She has been employed with
HGB &W for three years and is responsible for greeting taxpayers, transferring incoming
taxpayer inquiries and distributing mail. Ms. Rash is a volunteer for the Museum Associa-
tion. She resides in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Mary Finley, Receptionist, is attending San Antonio Community College after graduating
from Robert E. Lee High School. She joined the firm this year and is responsible for
handling incoming calls and performing various secretarial tasks. Ms. Finley was previously
employed at the real estate appraisal office of Suttle and Associates where she was responsi-
ble for general secretarial duties and maintenance of database on commercial properties.
She resides in the Northside Independent School District.
32
HGB &W Accounting
Darbey Wehrle, Accountant, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.B.A.
in Accounting. She has been employed with HGB &W for three years and is responsible for
compiling financial statements. Ms. Wehrle was previously employed with the Lower
Colorado River Authority as the Regulatory Reporting Coordinator. She is a member of
the Olympia Elementary PTO, the Graysa Soccer League, and St. John Neumann Parish.
Ms. Wehrle resides in the Judson Independent School District where her son attends first
grade.
Sandra Cordaway, Accounting Clerk, is a senior at Our Lady of the Lake University after
graduating from Highlands High School in 1970. She has been employed with HGB &W for
six years and is responsible for accounts payable and receivable. Ms. Cordaway was pre-
viously the owner /operator of Shingle Oak Child Development Center. She is a member of
the Texas Board of Realtors, Madison PTA, Wood PTA and the Perrin Beitel Little League
Parents Auxiliary. Ms. Cordaway resides in the North East Independent School District
where her two children attend school.
Nancy Clark, Payroll Accountant, obtained a B.B.A. in Accounting from St. Mary's
University after graduating from Incarnate Word High School. She has been employed with
HGB &W for one year and is responsible for payroll and the preparation and maintenance
of insurance and financial statements. Ms. Clark was previously employed with Schertz
Finance and First City Bank. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Social Sorority. Ms.
Clark resides in the North East Independent School District.
Diane Tennison, Accountant, obtained her B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of
Texas at San Antonio after graduating from Samuel Clemens High School. She has been
employed with HGB &W for almost six years and is responsible for all aspects of financial
accounting for the law office. Ms. Tennison resides in the Judson Independent School
District.
Alexandra Perry, Accounting File Clerk, is attending the University of Texas at San Antonio
working toward her degree in Occupational, Therapy after graduating from John Marshall
High School. She has been with the firm for two years and is responsible for filing and
assisting the accounting department with daily. .operations._ Ms. Perry resides in the
Northside Independent School District.
33
ADOPT -A- SCHOOL
kIZI
HGB &W adopted Eighth Avenue Elementary School,
a largely minority and low- income elementary school rated the
sixth lowest academically achieving school in Texas, to help
support education throughout the Houston area. More than
twenty firm employees volunteered their time to assist teachers
and tutor students. In addition to the personal involvement, the
firm made a substantial financial contribution which enabled
the school to purchase hundreds of badly needed library books
and other materials. Mrs. Arthur Adams, Principal at Eighth
Avenue, said, "This contribution of time, talent and money has
truly benefitted the children at Eighth Avenue."
FIELD TRIPS
HGB &W sponsors various field trips for children in the
Houston and Beaumont areas to tour the Astrodome and area
farm facilities and to attend the Houston Livestock Show and
Rodeo. Many of these children are able to see for the first time
the Astrodome, the Eighth Wonder of the World, and have a
hands -on experience with farm animals and livestock. By spon-
soring such field trips, the firm is able to help schools expand
their educational opportunities for disadvantaged students.
Involvement In The Communities We Represent
MUSIC EDUCATION
HGB &W is the underwriter for the San Antonio Sym-
phony's Education Program. The sponsorship allows area high
school students to attend symphony performances for $I.
Included with the performance is a pre- concert presentation by
the concert's conductor and tour of the Majestic Theatre. Thou-
sands of students participate in the program, many of whom
attend the symphony and the Majestic Theatre for the first time.
Al Young, Music Educator for Somerset ISD, said, "My stu-
dents were awed by the beauty of the music and the theatre. Our
school's participation has increased our community's aware-
ness in all the symphony's activities."
SCHOLARSHIPS
HGB &W makes annual scholarship contributions for
purposes of providing incentives to students who maybe disad-
vantaged or pursuing a career in law or computer science. These
scholarship programs are structured with local foundations
and /or school board officials to ensure recipients meet standard
scholarship qualifications.
' HGB &W supports and participates in many other community programs around the state such as the Academic
Decathlon and Pentathlon, Library Foundations, Drug Abuse Awareness, Children's Fine Arts Series, Warm Clothes
for Children, Little League and many more youth service and education programs.
' HGB &W takes pride in its involvement in these community and education programs. It symbolizes the truth that our
accomplishments can be measured, not by what one has, but rather by what one gives.
A.
HGB&w
APPENDIX
A. Statistical Information
B. Workplan for the City of Round Rock
C. Taxpayer Assistance Forms
D. Press Release on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision
35
APPENDIX A
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
MN MI MN NM NM S -- M M I -= NM M I M- NM
CRR_DTS
REAL PROPERTY
PERSONAL PROPERTY
TOTAL
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
DELINQUENT TAX SUMMARY
AUGUST 1992
NUMBER OF BASE TAX + 1991 1991 BASE 1991 ONLY
ACCOUNTS BASE TAX P & I BASE TAX TAX + P & I BASE + P & I
657
474
318,422.12
126,547.65
524,266.85
224,116.03
99,750.80
28,540.32
1,131 444,969.77 748,382.88 128,291.12
136,508.74
39,047.54
70,680.14
23,503.82
175,556.28 94,183.96
ME NM MINN MI - NM NM M MI l N - - - MI MI - MO
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
SIZE OF DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
AUGUST 1992
CRR_SDA
DOLLAR NUMBER OF BASE TAX + AVERAGE SIZE
, AMOUNT ACCOUNTS PENALTY & INTEREST PERCENTAGE OF ACCOUNTS
0 -200
200 -1000
1000 -ABOVE
TOTAL
404
172
81
REAL PROPERTY
64,890.49
130,798.41
328,577.95
657 524,266.85
PERSONAL PROPERTY
0 -200 365 36,902.26
200 -1000 90 63,929.69
1000 -ABOVE 19 123,284.08
TOTAL 474 224,116.03
ALL ACCOUNTS
12.38%
24.95%
62.67%
100.00%
16.47%
, 28.53%
55.01%
100.00%
0 -200 769 101,792.75 13.60%
200 -1000 262 194,728.10 26.02%
1000 -ABOVE 100 451,862.03 60.38%
160.62
760.46
4,056.52
797.97
101.10
710.33
6,488.64
472.82
132.37
743.24
4,518.62
TOTAL 1,131 748,382.88 100.00% 661.70
MI MN OM MN I ME MN - -- NM =NM= 111. NM UM NM MN
CRR_DDT
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
DISTRIBUTION OF DELINQUENT TAXES
AUGUST 1992
DOLLAR NUMBER OF
AMOUNT ACCOUNTS BASE TAX
BASE TAX 1991 1991 BASE 1991 ONLY 1990 &PRIOR
+P &I BASE TAX TAX +P &I BASE +P &I BASE +P &I
0 -200 404 40,773.26 64,890.49
200 -1000 172 79,516.48 130,798.41
1000 -ABOVE 81 198,132.38 328,577.95
TOTAL 657 318,422.12 524,266.85
REAL PROPERTY
17,094.06 23,392.94 4,628.82 41,497.55
46,482.85 63,611.83 32,357.76 67,186.58
36,173.89 49,503.97 33,693.56 279,073.98
99,750.80 136,508.74 70,680.14 387,758.11
PERSONAL PROPERTY
0 -200 365 22,597.90 36,902.26 8,720.18 11,923.68 7,847.96 24,978.58
200 -1000 90 38,457.86 63,929.69 13,037.61 17,841.97 8,527.69 46,087.72
_1000 -ABOVE 19 65,491.89 123,284.08 6,782.53 9,281.89 7,128.17 114,002.19
TOTAL 474 126,547.65 224,116.03 28,540.32 39,047.54 23,503.82 185,068.49
ALL ACCOUNTS
0 -200 769 63,371.16 101,792.75 25,814.24 35,316.62 12,476.78 66,476.13
200 -1000 262 117,974.34 194,728.10 59,520.46 81,453.80 40,885.45 113,274.30
1000 -ABOVE 100 263,624.27 451,862.03 42,956.42 58,785.86 40,821.73 393,076.17
TOTAL 1,131 444,969.77 748,382.88 128,291.12 175,556.28 94,183.96 572,826.60
NM ! !MI NM ME NM - -- NM N M M -- M I NM
CRR_DOD
FIRST TIME 119
REPEAT • 146
CHRONIC 113
NOT OWING 1991 270
OTHER 9
TOTAL
TOTAL
FIRST TIME 119
REPEAT 50
CHRONIC 26
NOT OWING 1991 278
OTHER 1
TOTAL 474
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
DEGREE OF DELINQUENCY
AUGUST 1992
NUMBER OF BASE TAX + AVERAGE SIZE
ACCOUNTS PENALTY & INTEREST PERCENTAGE OF ACCOUNTS
REAL PROPERTY
ALL ACCOUNTS
70,680.14
62,109.03
246,668.40
123,699.63
21,109.65
657 524,266.85 100.00% 797.97
PERSONAL PROPERTY
23,503.82
17,428.86
28,858.59
154,145.30
179.46
224,116.03
13.48%
11.85%
47.05%
23.59%
4.03%
10.49%
7.78%
12.88%
68.78%
0.08%
593.95
425.40
2,182.91
458.15
2,345.52
197.51
348.58
1,109.95
554.48
179.46
100.00% 472.82
FIRST TIME 238 94,183.96 12.58% 395.73
REPEAT 196 79,537.89 • 10.63% 405.81
CHRONIC 139 275,526.99 36.82% 1,982.21
NOT OWING 1991 548 277,844.93 37.13% 507.02
OTHER 10 21,289.11 2.84% 2,128.91
1,131 748,382.88 100.00% 661.70
APPENDIX B
WORKPLAN FOR THE
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
WORKPLAN SPECIALIZED FOR
CITY OF ROUND ROCK
We develop and utilize workplans as a management tool for long -range planning.
Two types of workplans have proven effective: an in -depth Six Month Workplan that targets
special collection strategies and variable monthly workplans. A detailed profile of the
delinquent tax roll is produced monthly to assist in the tracking of collections and the
identification of target areas requiring special attention. These six month and monthly
workplans will be designed specifically to meet the needs of City of Round Rock.
Six Month and Monthly Workplans
The San Antonio- Central Texas Regional Office management team will develop an
in -depth six-month workplan for the City. We use this management tool in directing our
collection, research and litigation efforts. This workplan, along with monthly workplans and
management reports, assist in the determination that we are directing our collection efforts
and our personnel to the highest dollar and most problematic groups of accounts. After
confirming the target group, the managers develop daily operational plans in an effort to
meet our goal of maximum tax collections.
We have chosen a six-month time frame as appropriate for planning purposes. In
January and July of each year a new six- month, in -depth workplan is developed. The basic
workplan is custom tailored to meet the collection needs of the City and is continually
monitored and improved upon by our firm's managers.
A monthly workplan is implemented for the City as a supplement to our six-month
workplans. Below are sample six-month and monthly workplans.
Sample Six-Month Workplan
August Objective:
Input Delinquent Tax Roll
Conduct complete analysis of delinquent tax roll
• Structure six month workplan
Prepare and mail sample (5 %) notification letters to eligible accounts
Input taxpayer response to sample mailing
Identify and correct potential data errors
Prepare and mail (95 %) notification letters to all remaining eligible accounts
Input taxpayer response to first complete mailing
Initial ownership and address verification on business personal property
accounts
Initial telephone collection activities directed towards high dollar commercial
accounts
Provide initial client and media briefing of collection program
September Objectives:
• Conduct ownership and address research on business personal property for
lawsuit filing
Conduct title research on real property accounts for lawsuit filing
Increased telephone collection activities
Review of Ombudsperson activities
Initial preparation for second mailing
Initial title search and verification of real property accounts
October Objectives:
Prepare and mail second notification letter to all eligible accounts
Input taxpayer response
Initial batch filing of lawsuits
Coordinate media coverage of collection activities
Initial research on potential tax seizure candidates
November Objectives:
• Continue with lawsuit and litigation activities
• Prepare and mail special seizure notification
Conduct initial tax seizures with appropriate media coverage
December Objectives:
• Prepare and mail special notification letters to high dollar accounts
Prepare and mail special notification letters to multiple account owners
Continue lawsuit filing and litigation activities
Conduct second seizure initiative
January Objectives:
• Prepare and mail special over age 65 mailing
Prepare and mail other special notification letters as necessary
Continue with lawsuit and litigation activities _
Analyze remaining delinquency and develop comprehensive workplan for next
six months
Activities During the Remaining Six Months of the Year
Prepare and mail other special notification letters as necessary
Conduct ownership and address research on business personal property for
lawsuit filing
Conduct title research on real property accounts for lawsuit filing
Continue with lawsuit and litigation activities
Continue telephone collection activities
• Conduct tax seizures with appropriate media coverage
Analyze delinquent tax roll
Analyze collection and performance goals
Mail pass- through notices
Prepare and mail five -year notice
Sample Monthly Workplan
Conduct title research on real property accounts
Conduct ownership and address research on business personal property
Conduct tax roll analysis
Identify bankrupt accounts
Identify federal agency accounts
Identify appraisal and assessment problems
Set monthly collection and case disposition goals
Conduct tax dockets
Set cases for trial
Prepare and enter judgments
Prepare and set motions for summary judgment
Prepare and file dismissals
Prepare and file disclaimers
Process interventions filed by non- HGB &W's clients
Prepare and send pre - default letters
Enter default judgments
Prepare abstracts of judgment and writs of execution
Conduct sheriff's sale of foreclosed property
File lawsuits
Conduct tax seizures
Prepare client collection reports on requested basis
Update Case Tracking System
Update Bankruptcy Tracking System _ - •
Review federal agency and bankruptcy
Review overall performance and collection goals
Analyze delinquent tax roll and prepare for next monthly workplan
APPENDIX C
TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE FORMS
1
1 WALK -IN TOTAL TAX DUE $
Mailing No. Jurisdiction:
1 Name of Taxpayer:
Name of Walkin if different:
' Account Number:
Phone Number:
A. DOES NOT OWN PROPERTY:(Fill Out & Attach Form "A ")
( ) Referred to Address Research Department
( ) Referred to Appraisal District
( ) Referred to
B. WILL PAY BY:
C. CAN'T PAY: 1. Referred To:
' for payment arrangment
D. PAID TAXES. HAS RECEIPTS: ( ) Referred To Tax Office
to Verify Payment
E. EXEMPT 1. Over 65 /Homestead
2. Other •
( ) Referred to Appraisal District
1 F. SAVING & LOAN /MORTGAGE CO. PAYS TAXES
(ESCROW ACCOUNT)
( ) Instructed Taxpayer to Contact their S &L /Mortgage Co.
1 G. BANKRUPTCY: Chapter 7, 11, 13 Case Number
Debtor's Attorney Ph. No.
1 H. PURCHASED PROPERTY FROM V.A.
( ) Loan Number
' ( ) Paid Cash ( ) Asked to Send Copy of the Closing
Statement to our Office
I. RECENTLY PURCHASED PROPERTY /HUD
( ) Instructed Taxpayer to Contact Title Company
J. OTHER:
1
K. ( ) Spanish - Speaking L. ( ) Special Attention
' Number of Previous Calls:
Date: Initials:
1
1
FORM "A"
1. What is /was your interest in the property?
A. Lienholder:
B. Previous Owner:
C. Never Owned Property:
D. Other:
2. Do you have any information about the current owner? (Names,
phone numbers, addresses, etc.)
2A. When did you sell the property?
3. Is there anybody else who would have information concerning
this property? (An attorney, a partner, an accountant, etc.)
4. Do you have a copy of the current deed? Yes / No
vol.
Page
* Remind them that they must contact the Appraisal District
for changes to be made. The Appraisal District is the only
LEGAL AUTHORITY who can make the changes!
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
H. PURCHASED PROPERTY FROM V.A.
( ) Loan Number
( ) Paid Cash ( ) Asked to Send Copy of the Closing
Statement to our Office
I. RECENTLY PURCHASED PROPERTY /HUD
1
1
1
1
PHONE BANK TOTAL TAX DUE $
Mailing No. Jurisdiction:
Name of Taxpayer:
Name of Caller if Different:
Account Number:
Phone Number:
A. DOES NOT OWN PROPERTY: (Fill Out & Attach Form "A ")
( ) Referred to Address Research Department
( ) Referred to Appraisal District
( ) Referred to
B. WILL PAY BY:
C. CAN'T PAY: 1. Referred To:
for payment arrangement
D. PAID TAXES. HAS RECEIPTS: ( ) Referred to Tax Office
to Verify Payment
E. EXEMPT 1. Over 65/ Homestead
2. Other
( ) Referred to Appraisal District
F. SAVINGS & LOAN /MORTGAGE CO. PAYS TAXES
(ESCROW ACCOUNT)
( ) Instructed Taxpayer to Contact their S &L /Mortgage Company
G. BANKRUPTCY: Chapter 7, 11, 13
Debtor's Attorney
City of Filing
( ) Instructed Taxpayer to Contact Title Company
J. OTHER:
Case Number:
Ph. No.
K. ( ) Spanish- Speaking L. ( ) Special Attention
Number of Previous Calls:
Date: Initials: -
PROBLEM
WHO TO CALL
Never received a lax bill
Tax Office
already paid !axes
Tax Office
Hardship or Payment
Arrangement
Tax Otfice or Heard. Goggan
Blair & Williams
Wrong Name or Address
Appraisal District
Ownership Change
Appraisal District
Exemptions
Appraisal District
Protest of Property Value
Appraisal District
Delinquent Taxes
Heard Goggan. Blair &
Williams
Tax Lawsuit
Heard. Goggan Blair &
Williams
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
QUICK PROBLEM & REFERRAL CHART
PAY YOUR TAXES NOW ...
DON'T WAIT FOR A LAWSUIT!
11 you do not make arrangements to pay your taxes now
YOU WILL BE SUED and COURT COSTS ARE EXPENSIVE'
You as the property owner may be responsible nol only for
the lax penalty and interest but also for
'clerk fees 'sheriff tees
'abstractor lees 'publication fees
IF A SUIT IS FILED ...
You and other parties with an interest in the property may be
notified by citation by the Sheriff s Office Constable s Office
or other process server
The lawsuit Is designed to foreclose the tax lien of the property
to pay the property taxes and to obtain a personal Judgement
against the delinquent taxpaye-
PAY NOW ... OR PAY MORE LATER
FOR MORE INFORMATION you may obtain a free publication called
Taxpayer Rights Remedies & Responsibilities Tram your local tax office
or Heard Goggan Blair S Williams
OISCWMER
int inlormabon :on'a.neC re•em is not 10 Se Lors.Ce'e0 as a sL0siOule for legs.
aavKe ary tgal g_es'sOns vOu mar nave sn0uiC oe Ieitrr1010 lour ariorney 10
ensur'.:na:.C✓ 0 001 . 'at •rents a•e . ally 0
INFORMATION
about
YOUR
PROPERTY TAXES
Provided by:
Heard. Gaggan. Blair & Williams
Rurd. spoon. stair 8 Williams Is a ttameld, lerr Ike that WINO
delinquent property lases Ier government septa throughout
Taos. The Information In We pamphlet Is Intended te help answer
questions meet frequently asked by taxpayers. legal questions
should be referred la your attorney.
Who can levy property taxes?
- Counties
'Cities
'School Districts
'College Districts
'Hospital Districts
'Road d Flood Districts
'Utility Districts
'Other special districts
Why are you taxed?
Your tax dollars provide funding for.
'Public Health Care
'Education
'Streets & Drainage
' Police. Fire Protection
' Court Systems
'Programs for the Handicap
' Programs for the Senior Citizens
libraries
and many other services
What is taxable?
'Land
'Buildings
' Airplanes
'Minerals
'Mobile Homes
PROPERTY TAXES
'Homestead
'Business Equipment &
Supplies
'Vessels
'Automobiles
When are taxes due?
Taxes are due January 31st following the year they are
assessed.
'Taxes are delinquent as of February 1st. Penalty and interest
cnarges are then added to your tax bill and a tax lien is
attached to your property.
11 taxes are not paid by June 30th. you are then charged anadditlonal
15'4 penalty for the collection ce your delinquent taxes.
OISCUIMER
be rnlor malign 0001110ed herein iS 00110 De 500510,0,0 as a susslnule 101 legal
a0vrce Any 11511 oueS11On5 yOu may have sn0ulO 00 referred to your 1110roey to
005u that your 010Otrly tae ng015 alt 10115 protected
Q &A
QUESTIONS MOST OFTEN ASKED BY TAXPAYERS
What III never received a tax statement?
Pay the delinquent saxes and then contact the Appraisal Dis-
trict to correct your mailing address
What 11 I etrudy paid my taxes?
Mail a copy of your paid receipt or cancelled check directly to
the lax office and send another copy to Heard Goggan. Blair
& Williams
What 111 naive a delinquent tax nodular my lass 111111 are sup•
posed to be paid by my mortgage company?
Pay your delinquent tax and contact your mortgage company
for reimbursement.
What N I receive a tax bill for preperly 11111 I have sold for taxa
levied alter I sold the property?
Notify the Appraisal District 01 the change of ownership.
Am I qualified lei a tax exemption?
You may be qualified for a tax exemption or other tax benefits
ifi
'You are a homeowner
YO are 65 and over
'You are disabled
'You are a disabled veteran
How de I,pply fora tax exemption?
Fill out an application from your Appraisal District and return
it between January 1st and April 30th of the current tax year
What should I do it 1 have tiled bankruptcy and still awe delinquent
taxes?
Send a copy of the Bankruptcy Petition to the local tax office
and Heard Goggan Blair & Williams
What if 1 cannot afford to pay my taxes on my homestud?
Provide your local tax office or Heard. Goggan Blair 8 Wil-
liams with proof of financial hardship. You may quality for a
payment arrangement.
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PROBLEMA
A QUIEN HABI AR
Nunca reabio un cobro
Oliana de Impuestos
Ya paga los impuestos
Oliana de Inpuestos
Pena Fnancura dun
Aneglo de Pagos
Oftana de Impuestos o
Head, Goggan. Blair y Williams
0 riarabre o la direapn
esti mconecta
Olstnto de Apreciadores
Cambto de dueno
Distnto de Apreciadores
Exenaones
Distrito de Apreciadoms
Protesto de Valor de Propedad
Distrito de Apreaadaes
Inpuestos Atrasados
Heard, Goggan, Blair y Williams
Proceso de In vesto
Heard, Goggan, Blau y Williams
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CARTA DE PROBLEMA Y REFERENCIA
IPASUE SUS IMPUESTOS AHORA ...
NO ESPERE UN PROCES01
Si usted no hace aneglos para pagan sus impuestos ahora. ,VA A SER
PROCESADO y COSTOS DE LA CORTE SON CAROS' Tal vez que
usted. cones dueno de propiedad. sea responsible solamente no mis
para el impuesto. multa e interes. pero tambien pare los.
• cargos del archiverador • cargos del jenfe
• cargos del extractador • cargos de publication
SI UN PROSESO ESTA AACHIN00.. .
Tal vez que usted y otros partidos con un interes en la propiedad sean
notdicados poi citation poi la Of 'ma del Jenfe. la ofiana de la Policia.
u otro prrocesador de serwcio
El proceso esti diseRado para pnvar N drecho de ream una hipoteca
para pagar los impuestos de la propiedad y para obtener un jwao
personal contra el pagador del impuesto atrasado.
PAGUE AHORA ... PAGUE MAS DESPUES
Para mis mfomaacian. usted puede obtener una publicacion gratis
nombrado'Los Derechos, Remedios y Responsabilidades del Contn-
buyente de Impuestos" de su olicina de impuestos local a de Heard.
Goggan. Blair y Williams
Ire KIWICIO r u uua0Uiumu
Ld nldm sodn ccovnda 33333 ! deed =some =ro r 10fO3333 de moan bpd Cuatua
QeOtI n Ioples •• wed Iowa def. sr Vendas a su nogada do a!•re da va men=
n34wa de eaPed d oven "mg..
INFORMACION
DE
SUS
IMPUESTOS DE PROPIEDAD
Per:
Hurd. Goggan, Blair y Williams
Ahogados
tHeard, Goggan, Blair y Williams. 1989
Hurd. Glps. llelr y Wllllems es to empress M Nepada pr We d
WIN. see pled' Impaalss de propl'deNt eraudu ton edld'Ns dd
Omni pet lido TNn. Le Idormadde M lib IdIds se pre pr6IWr
pupils h uhu mh freaxmameme per Ms papleres N impuutsL
PreprrW (eosin debu Meer rafarldu a su ebtpads.
IMPUESTOS DE PROPIEDAO
C.QUIBD puede exigir impuestos de propieded?
• Condados
• Ciudades
• Distntos de Escuelas
• Distrnos de Coleg os
• Distrnos de Hospnales
• Distritos de Caneteras e Inundanones
• Oistritos de Utd dades
• Otros distritos espeaales
c.Por ode hay impuestos?
Sus dolares de los impuestos son tondos para
' As stencta Mika
• Education
• Galles y Dreoaie
• Protection de Policia y Fuego
• El sistema de las cones
• Programas pars los Invalidos
• Programas pare los Ancianos
• Bibllotecas
y muchos otros servictos
GQue es imponibie?
• Terreno
• Editions
• Aeroplanos
• Minerales
' Casas Movibles
• Su Casa prop*
• Equ po Comercral y
Provisiooes
• Batas
• Automovdes
.Cu se vencen los impuestos?
Los impuestos se vencen el treinta uno de enero despues del ales en
que fueron apreoados
Los impuestos estin atrasados desde el pnmero de febero Cargos de
multas e mteres son agregadas a su cuenta de impuestos y un
dererho de retenoon sera puesto en su propiedad.
SI su impuadu no atio paoades pan d Inlets M lisle. a It arprd
sumo' pa demo mis M mama a Mitres per la 'leads° de as impauta
elreserlos.
UII500 A to iSnCCnleae
U a12 c222.0.1 °0010 R OeOe 22 2122 CMt Jr S.M. de Oave0 tJ9i2
wt.: as epics we 220e42 deem le 2222 a sua00ta00 Dan 0*01 Oa 012222 2
*Peon 2 2002210 ales "moan
PREGUNTA Y RESPUESTAS
PREGUNTAS MAS COMUN DE PAGAOORES
DE IMPUESTOS
LSI no raalbl un tobo M Impuedu?
Pague los impuestos atrasados y luego pongase en contacto con el
Distrito de Apreaadores para coffer su dueccibn
LY d p paged mis Impuatu?
Mande una copra de su recto o cheque cancelado duectamente a la
ohms de impuestos y otra copra a Head. Goggan, Blair. y Williams
LY a ralbo us* sotlole de impuestos snudos pre lu Impuettos qua
Idles ssr pepdos pa ml tompaale bipwarle o Unto?
Pague sus impuestos atrasados y pongase en contacto con su
corrpahua hipotecana pars reembolso
LY d Ipso melba an cobra M Impuesta pa propladad quo yo vends por
impuaes* ulpida daspubs M qus uefi I' proplsdad?
Arose al distnto de aprecradores par d cambio de dueno
iC'lirlp pan us* °melba de Imputes?
Usted puede caldicar para una exernon de impuestos u otros
benefiaos de impuestos SI
• Es dueho de se casa
• Tiene sesenta y cmnco arms o mis
• Esta desabdnado
' Es veteran desabilnado
Clint pido um exer¢Ibn de impuestos?
Llene una aphcacion de su Distnto de Apreciadores y devuelveta
entre el primer° de Enero y el treints de abd del alio de impuestos
comlente
Ll ab deb° de haw d p sochWe Unworn y Iodavle debo Impuedos
dreados?
Mande una cepia de la petrcion de Bancoroto a su oticrna de
impuestos local y a Heard Goggan. Blair. y Wdhams
LY a Ho pusdd paps les imputes* M ed pa propis1
Traiga prueba de condioones de penas Imanoeras a su ohms de
impuestos local. is a Heard. Goggan Blair, y Wilhams Usted podra
cahhcar para un aneglo de pages
apuCO A U IUr3*ACU0I5
J elamaOM mmm4a l00 C Y One 212212 0'£ n 12f' h,10 Y 2240 eyi •.JiPOO
7'91010 G1ktal b:e02 N Ya0 aC C0jo1 1.9.m aa.s 31008 ce
opesio0 se Toe0a0 a'e aaegaa
APPENDIX D
PRESS RELEASE ON
FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS DECISION
HGB
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Sydna H. Gordon
(214) 880 -0089
Dallas, Texas... On September 1, 1992 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a favorable
decision for local taxing entities throughout Texas in the case of Irving Independent School
District and Dallas County vs. Packard Properties. The Fifth Circuit upheld the right of local
governments to collect delinquent tax, penalty and interest that remain outstanding on all
properties taken over by the FDIC from insolvent banks. After FDIC takeover, only base
tax and interest may be collected from the FDIC. •
"This is a major victory for local taxing authorities. The Court's decision makes it
clear that the payment of taxes must be a priority for the FDIC just as it is for every other
taxpaying citizen," said Sydna Gordon, Attorney for Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams who
presented oral arguments on behalf of Dallas County in the Packard case before the Fifth
Circuit.
Since the collapse of the financial industry, the federal government has attempted to
use local governments to subsidize the cost of the financial bailout. They have used federal
regulations to stymie the payment of local property taxes. The absence of these revenues
has crippled many Texas communities who are plagued by adverse economic conditions.
At issue are millions of dollars due local governments statewide. The Fifth Circuits
decision ensures local governments the ability to enforce the collection of these tax revenues
that provide such services as fire and police protection, teachers, schools, emergency medical
and health care services, civil and criminal justice services, etc.
"Since 1988, Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams has maintained an aggressive posture
protecting our client's tax liens from being extinguished by the FDIC. That aggressive
position has culminated in a decision by the Fifth Circuit that will benefit every taxing unit
in the State of Texas," added Ms. Gordon.
Copies of the eleven page Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion on the Irving
Independent School District and Dallas County vs. Packard Properties may be obtained from
Heard, Goggan, Blair & Williams by contacting Sydna 'Gordon at (800) 441 -0960 or
(214) 880 -0089.
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Nov., 1987 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) takes over failed
banking institution holding the note on Packard Properties.
Dec., 1987
Jan., 1988
Jul., 1988
Apr., 1991
Aug., 1991
Sep., 1991
CASE HISTORY OF
IRVING I.S.D., DALLAS COUNTY vs. PACKARD PROPERTIES
Delinquent tax lawsuit filed against Packard Properties for failure to
pay property taxes to Irving Independent School District and Dallas
County.
FDIC forecloses lien against the property and becomes owner.
Attempt to collect property taxes from the FDIC unsuccessful.
FDIC removes the delinquent tax case from state court to federal
district court.
The federal district court issued its opinion that the FDIC is not liable
for paying any penalties and interest associated with delinquent ad
valorem taxes owed prior to FDIC takeover. However, the penalties
and interest remain as a lien on the property. After FDIC takes
ownership of property, the FDIC is responsible for the payment of
base tax only.
May, 1991 Parties appeal to 5th Circuit
The Texas Legislature changed the Property Tax Code to make it clear
that interest on delinquent taxes is compensation to a taxing entity for
revenue lost because of the delinquency.
Fifth Circuit affirms decision of the District Court. Liens for unpaid
ad valorem taxes in existence at the time FDIC acquired the property
are not extinguished and remain against the property until paid. This
includes liens for penalties, interest and collection costs. Also, for 1992
and subsequent years, base tax and interest are collectable from FDIC.
FDIC is considering whether to appeal the 5th Circuit's decision to the
U.S. Supreme Court.