“Medrano, who said the district owns the clinic where Garza serves as its operator, said he wants the school board to go out for bids for a new operator or close the clinic. “I’m just concerned this clinic is not operating functionally,” Medrano said.”
By FERNANDO DEL VALLE Valley Morning Star | Posted
SAN BENITO — The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has placed a lien on the San Benito school district, demanding payment of $59,900 in delinquent taxes, according to district documents.
But Garza said he has paid the back taxes and the IRS erroneously sent the notice to the school district.
“I am in good standing with the IRS. That issue has been resolved,” Garza said in an interview. “The letter was in error. I’m in the process of finding out why this letter was issued considering the situation has been rectified.”
Medrano, who said the district owns the clinic where Garza serves as its operator, said he wants the school board to go out for bids for a new operator or close the clinic.
“I’m just concerned this clinic is not operating functionally,” Medrano said.
The IRS notice dated May 28, 2012 demands payment of $36,065 owed from the period ending Dec. 31, 2012; $18,457 owed from Sept. 30, 2012; and $5,378 from June 30, 2012, a copy of an IRS document shows.
“The Internal Revenue Code provides that there is a lien for the amount that is owed,” the IRS notice says. “Although we have given the notice and demand required by the code, the amount owed hasn’t been paid.”
But Garza said he has paid the taxes.
Harlingen-based IRS official Elizabeth Dartt could not be reached for comment on Garza’s statement that the matter has been resolved.
IRS spokeswoman Irma Treviño said she would contact Dartt regarding Garza’s concerns.
Medrano said he is concerned the clinic may not be able to pay its employees.
But Garza said the clinic is meeting payroll.
Glenn Hillyer, the district’s insurance consultant, said the clinic will continue to offer health care services to district employees.
“Yes, it’s a concern,” Hillyer said of the tax lien. “The real question is whether it will affect the clinic. The services won’t change.”
Hillyer said the clinic will remain open.
District Business Manager Emma McCall and Risk Manager Janie Gonzalez declined comment.
School board President Yliana Rodriguez could not be reached for comment late Monday afternoon.
District officials said board members may discuss the issue at a meeting expected to be held this week.
See: http://sbnewspaper.com/2013/06/19/board-to-address-clinic-providers-tax-delinquency/
Editor’s Note: Type in “San Benito ISD” in the search box on this blog for more information on this dysfunctional school district
