Delinquent‑tax collections update: county contractor reports collection mixes, upcoming May tax sale

Purdue Brandon Felder Collins MK LLP representative Scotty presented Washington County’s delinquent tax and fines & fees collection report, summarizing account statuses and collection outcomes.

Scotty told the court the appraisal district collects more than 97% of current taxes each year and the collections contractor focuses on delinquent accounts in litigation, deferred accounts (often for taxpayers over 65 or disabled), and action‑pending cases where staff pursue payment arrangements and other remedies. He said the county’s approach emphasizes exhausting collection options before litigation.

Collection metrics provided to the court showed historical collection rates for accounts turned over to the contractor: about 82% for 2022, 70% for 2023 and 56% for 2024 (accounts turned over last July). Scotty also described delinquent fine collections for Justice of the Peace courts: approximately 36% collected for JP1 and 35% for JP3, noting that collection activity typically includes locating violators and encouraging court appearances to resolve matters.

Scotty said some accounts in the higher dollar ranges are deferred (often due to homestead deferments) and some accounts are set for the May tax sale; however, he noted many delinquent accounts are resolved before the sale. He encouraged continued coordination with the appraisal district and the courts to maximize voluntary resolution before forced collection actions.

The court received the report and had no further action beyond hearing the presentation.