Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
Title
Resolution adopting a schedule of attorney fees in connection with the collection of delinquent real estate taxes and other municipal claims, pursuant to the Municipal Claims and Tax Lien Act of May 16, 1923, P.L. 207, No. 153, as amended.
Body
Whereas, the City of Pittsburgh is required from time to time to enforce collection of delinquent real estate taxes and other municipal claims; and
Whereas, the expense of such enforcement, when absorbed by the City constitutes a further demand on the City's resources; and
Whereas, Act 1 of 1996 amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Act of May 16, 1923, P.L. 207, no. 153, as amended, to permit the City to recover reasonable attorney's fees in connection with the collection of taxes and municipal claims as defined under the Act from the persons and property owing such claims; and,
Whereas, the City desires to exercise such right in order to encourage timely payment of municipal claims including real estate and the collection of delinquent accounts, and to reduce the expense to other taxpayers of enforced collection; and
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as Follows:
Section 1. This resolution shall be known as the Delinquent Tax and Municipal Claim Attorney's Fees Resolution.
Section 2. Schedule of Fees. The City hereby approves the following schedule of attorney's fees for services in connection with the collection with the collection of accounts, which is hereby determined to be fair and reasonable compensation for the services set forth below, all in accordance with Act 1 of 1996:
LEGAL SERVICES FEE FOR SERVICES
Filing of Lien $150.00
Title Search $200.00
Preparation and Service of
Writ of Scire Facias $400.00
Required additional notice and
presentation of related Motions
regarding Federal tax liens,
judgements and mortgages $150.00
Alternative service of legal
Pleadings $280.00
Entry of Judgment $120.00
Preparation of Writ of
Execution and attend initial
Sheriff sale $600.00
Preparation of documents and
attendance at second Sheriff
sale $600.00
Installment payment agreement
at taxpayers request $100.00
Services not covered $150/hr. – attorney
$75/hr. – paralegals
$50/hr. – law clerks
(a) There shall be added to the above amounts the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of counsel in connection with each of these services, including Sheriff's and Prothonotary's costs.
(b) the amount of fees determined as set forth above shall be added to the claim in each account.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.