Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing a contingent fee professional services agreement with Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP for delinquent ad valorem tax and delinquent municipal court fee/fine collection services (Director of Finance)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize a five-year agreement between the City and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, for the collection of delinquent property taxes and the collection of unpaid fines, fees and court costs.
An RFP was issued on October 23, 2025, and there were two proposals received. Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP was selected as the proposer offering the best overall value to the City.
For delinquent ad valorem tax collections, Linebarger will be compensated on a contingent fee basis as provided in the Texas Tax Code Sections 6.30, 33.07, 33.08, 33.11, and 33.48, at a rate of twenty percent (20%). These Texas Tax Code sections specifically provide for an additional penalty on delinquent taxes to compensate collection attorneys, capped at 20%.
For the collection of unpaid fines, fees and court costs, Linebarger will be compensated on a contingent fee basis as provided in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 103.0031. This Article specifically provides for an additional collection fee in the amount of 30 percent in certain cases to compensate collection attorneys.
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP has represented the City of League City for the past 17 years in the collection of unpaid fines, fees and court costs, beginning in December 2008.
Total Net Collections for Court
Court Collections
2025* $445,017
2024 $437,472
2023 $387,171
*Collections through 8/31/2025
Total Net Collections for Delinquent Tax Collections
Tax Year Annual Amount Outstanding Normal Collection
Delinquent Collected Amount Collection Rate w/LB
Amount by LB Rate
2023 721,111 513,777 207,335 98.57% 99.59%
2022 989,592 874,234 115,357 97.98 99.76%
2021 547,996 475,561 72,435 98.88 99.87%
2020 894,404 837,141 57,263 98.16 99.90%
Linebarger agreed to language in section 3.01 of the proposed contract, which would function to automatically reduce the 20% percent add-on that delinquent League City taxpayers bear to a lower rate if Linebarger enters into a new contract in the Houston metro area for delinquent tax collection at such lower rate. This language provides perpetual price protection for the tax collection services going forward.
CONTRACT ORIGINATION: Reviewed and approved by the City Attorney's Office Attachments:
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Agreement with Linebarger
3. Evaluation Summary
4. Linebarger Proposal
5. Vendor Report Card
FUNDING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE