Mayor and Council to consider renewal of tax-collection contract with Appalachian Mountain Services

City staff recommended renewing a contract with Appalachian Mountain Services, Inc. to continue assisting Duluth City with researching ownership of tax-delinquent properties, facilitating payment of outstanding taxes and coordinating sheriff’s sales at the Gwinnett County Justice Center when necessary. Staff told the Mayor and Council the firm conducts deed research to identify property owners or heirs and that it is paid only if the city collects delinquent taxes.

The contract, if approved by the council, would become effective May 12, 2026. Staff requested that the renewal be placed on the May 11 consent agenda. Council authorized staff to place the item on the consent agenda; no formal approval of the contract occurred at the work session.

Because the contractor’s fee depends on successful collection, staff characterized the agreement as contingency-based: "If the City does not collect the tax, there are no fees paid out," the staff report said. The city will return the item to the council for formal approval on the consent agenda at the next regular meeting.