Friday, May 3, 2024
"cash" by Sean McMenemy is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Gatesville Independent School District collects the vast majority of the taxes it needs to help fund the education of local students, and when issues arise a Waco-based law firm steps in to help.
Robert L Meyers, an attorney with the McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen law firm, presented a report to the GISD Board of Trustees during their Oct. 17 meeting.
"As usual, the district is doing a great job and having a good year in property tax collection," Meyers said. "That is a reflection of the strength of the local economy. People are able to pay, which indicates the economy is strong and the community is vibrant.
For 2021, GISD actually collected 100.74% of its tax allotment. That includes penalties and interest added to payments that were late.
"Every year, you're collecting more than you levy (because of those interest and penalty fees)," Meyers said.
Not including the penalty fees, GISD most recently collected 98.68% of the taxes it was owed.
"Ultimately most of your taxes get collected," Meyers said. "Less than 1% of taxes owed to the district don't get collected (in a timely manner). Again, that's a positive reflection of the economic circumstances in your community."
McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen represents the district in delinquent property tax collection and audits.
GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard said he is thankful for the law firm's help in collecting funds.
"Robert, we appreciate it – you always do a great job getting that money for us," Pollard said.
Darrell Frazier, the district's chief financial officer, praised the efforts of the Coryell County Tax Office in helping ensure taxes are collected in a timely and efficient way.
"I want to thank our local office – Justin Carothers and his team do a great job for us and typically collect 98% of our taxes. Only about 2% are turned over to Robert's firm. I want to compliment Justin and his group for the outstanding job they do year in and year out."
