By Kathryn Kretschmer Weyland
April 27, 2009

With today’s current economic crisis, cash strapped cities cannot afford to lose revenue they have already budgeted to spend. Delinquent taxes, late fees and unpaid fines can place cities in the unenviable position of having to raise taxes on their citizens and cut the vital services they demand. In order to avoid such a scenario, local governments everywhere have started looking to their delinquent receivables. Memphis (TN) has found a solution in the law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP.

Based in Austin (TX), Linebarger has more than 1,300 employees throughout the United States, with 13 being based in Memphis. Their practice is focused on the collection of delinquent receivables for federal, state and local governments.

Linebarger’s history of success in the field of property tax collections yields incredible results for their public sector clientele. In just four and a half years, Linebarger has recovered over $100 million in back taxes, penalties and interest for Memphis alone. The money funds programs and employs workers that Memphis could not have afforded otherwise. And the beauty of it is that the firm provides its services to Memphis at no cost to the city because its legal and collection fees are passed on to delinquent taxpayers via statutory authority.

Linebarger understands that listening and treating debtors with respect garners the best results for everyone involved. They go the extra mile to try and work out payment plans with people who have fallen behind on taxes because of illnesses or other unforeseen events such as losing their jobs.

Linebarger’s employees also take time to give back to the communities they serve. In Memphis, the firm actively participates in local events, and in 2008, they received the "Making the Difference Award" from the local Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association.

With a long history of proven results, contracting with Linebarger is one way for cities to ensure they receive the revenue they so desperately rely on.

For more information on Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, a USCM Platinum Partner and long time member of the Business Council, contact Kathryn Kretschmer Weyland, COO, US Mayor Enterprises at 301-351-4350 or kweyland@usmayors.org.