[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
The following collection procedures are hereby established in accordance with 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq.:
1. 
Notice of Delinquency and Intention to File Lien. At least 30 days prior to assessing or imposing attorneys' fees in connection with the collection of an account and the filing of a tax lien, the Borough shall mail or cause to be mailed, by certified mail, return receipt requested, a notice of such intention to the taxpayer or other entity liable for the account (the "Account Debtor"). An administrative fee actually incurred for mailing the notice of delinquency, of $50, being a cost of collection under the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act,[1] shall be assessed. The Borough shall be responsible with all postage costs associated with said notice.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 7106 et seq.
2. 
Undeliverable Notice of Delinquency and Intention to File Lien. If the certified mail notice is undelivered, then, at least 10 days prior to the assessing or imposing such attorney fees, the Borough shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first-class mail, a second notice to such account debtor.
3. 
All notices required by this Part shall be mailed to the account debtor's last known post office address as recorded in the records or other information of the Borough, or such other address as it may be able to obtain from the County Office of Assessment and Revision of Taxes.
4. 
Each notice as described above shall include the following:
A. 
The type of tax or other charge, the year it was assessed and the amount owed, including penalty and interest;
B. 
A statement of the Borough's intent to impose or assess attorneys' fees within 30 days after the mailing of the notice of delinquency, or within 10 days after the mailing of the second notice pursuant to Subsection 2 above;
C. 
A statement of the Borough's intent to file a tax lien within 30 days after mailing of the notice of delinquency, or second notice if the notice of delinquency was undeliverable pursuant to Subsection 2;
D. 
The manner in which the assessment or imposition of attorneys' fees may be avoided by payment of the account; and
E. 
The place of payment for accounts and the name and telephone number of the Borough's representative designated as responsible for collection matters.
5. 
The amount of fees determined as set forth below shall be added to and become part of the claim or claims in each proceeding as provided by the Act and as provided herein.
6. 
Any administrative fee actually incurred in the preparation of the notice of delinquency, not to exceed $50, being a cost of collection under the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act, shall be assessed against the property as part of the lien.
[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
1. 
The Borough hereby approves the following schedule of charges, expenses and fees (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Fees") in connection 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 the principles set forth in Section 3(a.1) of the Municipal Claims Law as added by Act No. 1 of 1996 (the "Act").
A. 
First Demand Letter. At least 30 days following the notice of delinquency pursuant to § 1-1221, Subsection 1 or 2, as referenced above, the Borough shall mail or cause to be mailed a first demand letter to the taxpayer or other entity liable for the account (the "Account Debtor"). Said letter shall include the following information: the type of tax or other charge, the year it was assessed and the amount owed, including penalty and interest; the manner in which the assessment or imposition of further attorneys' fees may be avoided by payment of the account; and the place of payment for accounts and the name and telephone number of the Borough representative designated as responsible for collection matters. A $160 fee per parcel shall be added to and become part of the claim or claims in each proceeding as provided by the Act and as provided herein.
B. 
Second Demand Letter. At least 30 days following the first demand letter pursuant to Subsection 1A as referenced above, the Borough shall mail or cause to be mailed a second demand letter to the taxpayer or other entity liable for the account (the "Account Debtor"). Said letter shall include the following information: the type of tax or other charge, the year it was assessed and the amount owed, including penalty and interest; the manner in which the assessment or imposition of further attorneys' fees may be avoided by payment of the account; and the place of payment for accounts and the name and telephone number of the Borough representative designated as responsible for collection matters. A $175 fee per parcel shall be added to and become part of the claim or claims in each proceeding as provided by the Act and as provided herein.
2. 
The fees established, assessed, and collected hereunder shall be in addition to the record costs, § 1-1223, attorneys' fees approved, as set forth below, and shall be payable in full before the discharge or satisfaction of any claim. The schedule of fees is separate and distinct from any amounts imposed by the Sheriff, Prothonotary, Court or any other public office in connection with the collection of the Borough's claims.
Fees
Legal Services
Fee
Preparation, filing and satisfaction of tax lien
$20 per lien
Mailing of first demand letter with tax statement
$160 per parcel
Mailing of second demand letter with tax statement
$175 per parcel
Negotiation and preparation of installment plan agreements
$100 per claim; service fee of $3 per payment
Processing NSF checks
$25 per check
Assignments
$10 per claim
Tax claim revivals (i.e., S&A)
$10 per claim
Municipal claim revivals
$15 per claim
Filing tax lien
$20 per lien, plus costs
Municipal claim/short title examination
$35 per claim
Docket service fees
$1 per item
Sheriff sale claim certificates
$50 per case
Tax certifications
$50 per parcel
Postage
Actual cost
Services not covered above
An hourly rate ranging from $85 to $185 per hour
3. 
Title Search. In any enforcement proceeding, the actual cost of a title search in an amount not to exceed $250 shall constitute a reasonable expense for each title search necessary for the initiation of each proceeding and compliance with Pa. R.C.P. 3129. The sum not to exceed $50 shall constitute a reasonable expense for each bring-down or update of the title search in connection with entry of judgment, issuance of execution, listing for sale, or other action.
4. 
There shall be added to the above amounts the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of counsel in connection with each of these services, such as for non-Sheriff's service of process or investigation of the whereabouts of interested parties, as itemized in the applicable counsel bills, which shall be deemed to be part of the fees.
5. 
The amount of fees determined as set forth above shall be added to the Borough's claim in each account.
[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
1. 
Flat-Fee Matters. The above schedule of attorneys' fees is hereby adopted and approved as reasonable attorneys' fees pursuant to Act 1 and Act 20 for all matters described, which fees shall be awarded to the Borough, its agents, counsel or assigns in each action initiated pursuant to the Act for the collection of unpaid claims. The property owner's obligation to pay the full amount of the flat fee for each phase of each action shall accrue upon the initiation of any aspect of each phase. The full amount of each flat fee for each prior phase of the proceeding shall carry over and be due on a cumulative basis together with the flat fee for each subsequent phase.
A. 
Preparation and Service of Writ of Scire Facias. The sum of $450 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for the initiation of each proceeding and shall include preparation and filing of the praecipe for writ of scire facias, Sheriff's direction for service, notice pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. § 237.1 and the preparation and filing of the praecipe to settle and discontinue the proceeding. The above does not include:
(1) 
Federal Tax Liens, Judgments and Mortgages. Where there are federal tax liens, federal judgments, federal mortgages or other record federal interests, the sum of $200 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for all matters necessary to properly notify and serve the United States with all required additional notice and the presentation of related motions to court.
(2) 
Alternative Service of Legal Proceedings. In the event that a special order of court is necessary to serve original process or any other pleading, notice, court order or other document, the following amounts shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees as follows:
(a) 
Investigation of defendant(s) whereabouts and preparation of affidavit of diligent search: $100.
(b) 
Preparation and presentation of motion for alternative service, and delivery of the order of court, along with appropriate directions to the Sheriff for service: $200.
B. 
Entry of Judgment. The sum of $225 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with the entry of judgment which shall include preparation and filing of the praecipe to enter judgment, notices of judgment, affidavit of non-military status, and the praecipe to satisfy judgment.
C. 
Writ of Execution. The sum of $700 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for preparation of all documents necessary for each execution upon any judgment pursuant to the Act. This sum shall include the preparation and filing of the praecipe for writ of execution, all Sheriff's documents, preparation and service of notices of Sheriff's sale, staying the writ of execution, and attendance at one Sheriff's sale.
(1) 
Postponements. The sum of $100 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for each continuance of Sheriff's sale at the request of the defendant.
D. 
Sale Pursuant to Section 31 of the Act, 53 P.S. § 7281. The sum of $1,000 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for the sale of property pursuant to Section 31 of the Act, 53 P.S. § 7281, including preparation and service of necessary documents, court appearances, attendance at Sheriff's sale and preparation of proposed schedule of distribution of the proceeds realized from such sale.
E. 
Installment Payment Agreement. The sum of $100 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for the preparation of each written installment payment agreement with an internal processing fee of $3 per payment.
F. 
Motions. The sum of $200 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for the preparation, filing, and presentation of motions, other than for alternative service, which shall include, but are not limited to, motions to reassess damages, motions to amend caption, motions to continue the Sheriff's sale.
G. 
Magistrate Hearing. The sum of $200 shall constitute reasonable attorneys' fees for the preparation and filing of a complaint at the magistrate level, which shall include court appearance at the initial magistrate hearing. Additional hearings resulting from postponements entered on behalf of the defendant shall result in an additional fee of $200 per hearing. A postponement shall be considered a defense postponement if the defendant is not prepared at the hearing to present his/her case, enter into an installment payment agreement, or pay the delinquent amount in its entirety. The Borough shall be responsible for advancing costs associated with collection efforts at the magistrate.
2. 
Hourly-Rate Matters. The following schedule of attorneys' fees is hereby adopted and approved as reasonable attorneys' fees pursuant to Act 1 and Act 20 for all matters described, which fees shall be awarded to the Borough, its agents, counsel or assigns as compensation in all contested matters, and in all other matters not specifically referenced in Subsection 1 above, undertaken in connection with the collection of claims, each as recorded and charged in units of 1/10th of an hour for all time devoted to enforcement and collection of the Borough's claims. Counsel, whether duly employed or duly appointed by the Borough, its agents or assigns, shall not deviate from this fee schedule absent a subsequent resolution amending the same. Hourly rate matters include, but are not limited to, any matters where any defense, objection, motion, petition or appearance is entered in any phase of any proceeding by or on behalf of any defendant or other interested party.
A. 
Senior attorneys: $185 per hour.
B. 
Junior attorneys: $165 per hour.
C. 
Paralegals: $100 per hour.
D. 
Law clerks: $85 per hour.
[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
1. 
This Subpart 12C shall take effect on the date of enactment set forth below and with respect to attorneys' fees pursuant to the aforementioned sections of this Subpart 12C shall apply to all taxes, tax claims, tax liens, municipal claims, municipal liens, writs of scire facias, judgments, or executions filed on or after December 19, 1990, or as otherwise provided by law.
2. 
In no event shall the Borough's right to charge and collect reasonable attorneys' fees pursuant to the aforementioned sections of this Subpart 12C be impaired by the fact that any claim may also include an attorney commission of 5% for claims filed prior to December 19, 1990. Any attorneys' fees assessed and collected under this or any prior ordinances pursuant to Act 1 shall be in addition to any 5% commission previously included in any claim or judgment thereon.
3. 
Attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in pending enforcement proceedings prior to the effective date of this Subpart 12C, pursuant to a prior ordinance adopted under Act 1, but not collected, shall remain due and owing in accordance therewith, and shall be incorporated in any future statement, claim, pleading, judgment or execution. Attorneys' fees and expenses in any pending or new action incurred after the effective date of this Subpart 12C shall be incurred, charged, and collected in accordance with the schedules and procedures set forth in this Subpart 12C.
4. 
The charges, expenses and fees set forth in this Subpart 12C relate to all unpaid claims in favor of the Borough, its agents and assigns, and shall be retroactive to the date of each claim.
[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
The Borough assigns the provisions of this Subpart 12C to any assignee of its claims unless the assignment limits the assignee's ability to collect such amounts. The Borough and its duly authorized agents and their counsel shall retain all rights to charge reasonable attorneys' fees, charges, expenses, and fees in accordance with the provisions of this Subpart 12C in actions commenced under the Act and for servicing any claims retained by the Borough.
[Ord. 863, 8/14/2017]
If any one or more of the provisions or terms of this Subpart 12C shall be held invalid for any reason whatsoever, then such provision or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining provisions or terms of this Subpart 12C to the maximum extent possible and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions hereof.