Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2021-077 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for fines and fee collections with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP for Municipal Court; and take appropriate action
Body
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Court Collections were authorized in 2006 to Municipal Services Bureau and has provided professional services since then. The court periodically reviews the collection agency and in 2021 met with Municipal Services Bureau and other vendors in the state. It is believed that Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP have the resources to best serve the City of Farmers Branch at this time. Linebarger is currently contracted to collect delinquent Farmers Branch property taxes and has a good relationship with the city. It is recommended that the Council consider awarding a new contract for collection services to Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2021-077 designating a new collection vendor as set forth in 103.0031 of The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
DISCUSSION:
City Administration met with and evaluated four different firms to meet the needs of the Court. Administration recommends awarding the contract to Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. During the 12-month period ended April 30, 2021, the previous collection firm handled a total of 1,310 cases collecting $1.4M of outstanding citations for the City of Farmers Branch and $420K of professional services collection fees. Management does not have any reason to believe these collection results will be less in utilizing the professional services of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Financial Impact
RECOMMENDATION:
City administration recommends authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP and ratifying Resolution No. 2021-077 approving said contract.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No....
Click here for full text