Law Firm Gets over $342,000 in Back Taxes for TISD

TYLER — The law firm of Perdue, Brandon, Fielder Collins and Mott, L.L.P., announced Friday that it had obtained $342,063.70 for the Tyler ISD from the holding company Sears Methodist Retirement System. The money was for back property taxes on the Meadow Lake retirement community in southern Smith County. Sears Methodist sold Meadow Lake as part of a liquidation plan after filing for bankruptcy. Law firm partner Tab Beall said that it “took a lot of hard work from a number of people” both within Tyler ISD and Perdue Brandon to get the money for the school district. TISD CFO Tosha Bjork said, “We are extremely careful with taxpayer money and this additional sum will be used in a frugal and careful manner.”

According to a news release from the law firm, the payment was the result of a claim filed by Perdue Brandon in bankruptcy court. The total payment, including penalties and interest, represents about ten per cent of the total tax base delinquency for the school district, according to the release. TISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said, “We are grateful to out delinquent tax attorneys at Perdue Brandon for their diligent work and effort.”