The Leechburg Area School Board is getting serious about real estate tax scofflaws.

Officials say Leechburg Area is due $900,000 from unpaid taxes.

On Wednesday night, the board heard from representatives of three firms that go after property owners who owe back taxes.

• Jared McClay of Muni­cipal Revenue Services said his company buys the tax bill, and the school district gets a lump sum up front, which McClay said is a large percentage of the money due.

• Kevin Burkas of the Portnoff law firm in King of Prussia said its clients receive 100% of collected money. The firm keeps various late fees and has a flexibility structure that Burkas said “creates a lot more incentive for property owners” to pay. He lists the cities of Lower Burrell and Monessen among his firm’s clients.

• Tony Giglio of the Andrews & Price law firm said day-to-day service is combined with legal counsel for enforcement, with the school district getting 90% of each dollar collected. Giglio said his company will do a look-back on old tax bills, noting that some tax bills are considered uncollectable. Andrews & Price also serves as Leechburg Area’s solicitor.

Leechburg Area budgets up to $500,000 in delinquent tax revenue, but it’s money that can’t be spent.

The school board set up a committee consisting of members Andrew Pallus, Tom Maxin and Ashley Coudriet to look at each proposal and make a recommendation to the school board Dec. 7. The committee also will consult with Business Manager Teresa Eddinger for more information when needed.

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