HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7168 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7168
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00 T f A,4 January 27, 1987
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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Subject: CITY/COUNTY PILOT PROGRAM - COLLECTION OF OUTSTANDING TRAFFIC
WARRANTS
On February 5, 1985, the City Council approved the official legislative
program enhancing the collection of outstanding warrants. Legislation was
passed to provide that a County Tax Collector shall refuse to register a
motor vehicle that is owned by a person for whom arrest warrants are
outstanding for failure to appear or pay fines on complaints for which
punishment is by fine only, if both City and County agencies are in
agreement. If both City and County agree, the State Department of Motor
Vehicle Division will flag records information to the County Tax Assessor of
all persons with outstanding warrants and no state renewal notice for vehicle
license plates will be sent to the individual . The City will then notify the
individual with instructions regarding the warrants and how to obtain a
release for vehicle registration.
The City of Fort Worth currently has about 55,000 outstanding traffic
warrants with an average face value of $92 per warrant, or a total face value
of $5,062,200. The collection trend for outstanding warrants ranges from 40
- 50% of face value using the present procedures. The Municipal Courts
Administrator believes that taking advantage of the above referenced law
could result in increased revenues.
.00�A During the past few months, discus-sions have been taking place with the Tax
Assessor/Col lector's Office about the feasibility of implementing a six-month
pilot program. Both parties have agreed on the conditions under which such a
program could take place. The City would be required to provide the County
with a computer to check with the Texas Motor Vehicle Division to determine
whether a registrant has an outstanding warrant that has been issued by the
City of Fort Worth. If one exists, the registrant will be denied vehicle
registration and will be instructed on how to obtain a release from Municipal
Courts.
The estimated cost for a six-month pilot program should not exceed $3,500.
It is anticipated that this amount can be absorbed within the current year's
budget. However, the projected increase in revenues should far exceed the
cost of the pilot program expenditures.
Unless the City Council has objections, the City Manager will enter into an
agreement with the Tax Assessor/Collector's office for a six-month pilot
program, beginning about March 1 , 1987. If the pilot program proves to be
successful , a long term contract will be negotiated and presented to the City
Council for approval .
1016.1 Douglas Harman,/
I City Manager
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-ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS