Our Mission Information Guides How to File a Claim Tax Sales Staff FAQs Legal Links Contact Us Prosecutor's Office
Our Mission
The Legal Department assists the City Council and departments in achieving their missions in a defensible, law-abiding and socially accepted manner; advises and represents the City and all departments in all litigation and legal matters; and prepares and/or reviews all ordinances, contracts, and other documents of City interest. The department also performs the Risk functions of claims handling, insurance, and loss information distribution.
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The following information guides are available through the City Attorney’s Office:
- Annexation Packet,
- Conflict of Interest Dual Office Holding,
- Introduction to City Government,
- Home Rule,
- City Charter (PDF File)
- Nepotism (Related persons),
- Open Meetings,
- Open Records/Public Information.
For additional information please contact us by phone 903-531-1161 or e-mail Legal.
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In order to file a claim with the City of Tyler, you must complete the official claims form (Form 4-22). This form requires an original notarized signature. You may print the form, complete it and return it in person to the Legal Department located at 212 N. Bonner Ave. on the first floor.
If you have damage to your property, the City asks that you submit at least three (3) estimates for repair along with any photos taken of the damage. If you have additional questions regarding claims please e-mail City Email or call 903-531-1149.
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The sale of delinquent tax properties is held at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Smith County Courthouse, 100 N. Broadway Ave. The law firm of Linebarger, Groggans, Blair & Sampson, LLP, handles tax sales for the City of Tyler.
The firm places tax sale property listings online for the benefit of the public. You can view the listing at www.publiccans.com. The firm’s web site also provides answers to commonly asked questions about tax sales. Due to a change in the firm that collects taxes for the City, information can also be obtained from the prior firm at http://pbfcm.com.
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Legal Department Staff
City Attorney - Gary C. Landers
City Attorney, Gary C. Landers
began his employment with the City of Tyler on January 2, 1985. Gary is the Department Leader of the Legal Department which has three divisions consisting of the City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk’s Office and Risk Management. Gary is a Key Leader with oversight responsibility for the Legal Department as well as the Public Health District. His primary department clients are City Manager, City Council, and Sales Tax Board.
He served on the Texas Municipal League Board of Directors from 2002 through 2006. He served as President of the Texas City Attorneys Association (1993-94). He served as President of the Rose City Kiwanis Club in 1989-90 and was active in the United Way from 1988 through 1992. He served on the Texas Municipal League Board of Directors from 2002 through 2006. He is a member of the IMLA Technology Committee.
Prior to working for the City of Tyler, Mr. Landers was an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Abilene, TX (1978-1984). In 1973, Mr. Landers earned a B.A. from McMurry University (Abilene, TX) with a History major and Political Science minor. He obtained his law degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1977.
Deputy City Attorney - Steven M. Kean
Deputy City Attorney, Steven M. Kean began his employment with the City of Tyler on December 21, 1989. His current primary department clients and responsibilities are Airport, Auditor, Development Services, Engineering, Fire, Planning and Zoning, Traffic and Transit. Upon request from these clients he handles legal research, contract review, ordinance drafting and subpoenas.
In 1983, Mr. Kean earned a B.A. from Auburn University with a Political Science major and a History minor. He obtained his law degree from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama in 1986.
Senior Assistant City Attorney - Deborah G. Pullum
Senior Assistant City Attorney, Deborah G. Pullum began her employment with the City of Tyler on November 1, 2004. Her current primary department clients and responsibilities are City Clerk, Code Enforcement, GIS, Human Resources, Municipal Court, Neighborhood Services, Redevelopment, Risk Management – Worker’s Compensation Claims, Solid Waste, Streets, Vehicle Equipment Services and Water. Upon request from these clients she handles legal research, contract review, ordinance drafting and subpoenas.
Prior to working for the City of Tyler, Mrs. Pullum was an Assistant District Attorney for the Smith County District Attorneys Office (1997-2004). In 1984, Mrs. Pullum earned a B.S. from Florida A&M University with a Business Administration major and an Accounting minor. She obtained her law degree from Marshall-Wyth School of Law College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 1996.
Assistant City Attorney – Karen L. Stead
Assistant City Attorney, Karen L. Stead began her employment with the City of Tyler Legal Department on November 5, 2007. Her current primary department clients and responsibilities are City University, Communications, Finance, Information Technology, Lean Sigma, Library, Parks, Police, Risk Management – Property and Casualty Claims, and Tyler Main Street Program. Upon request from these clients she handles legal research, contract drafting and review, public information requests, ordinance drafting, policy review as well as review of all public notices.
Karen has happily returned to East Texas where she grew up and graduated from Whitehouse High School – Class of 1992. Karen has a unique background and brings a dynamic attitude with her to the City. In the mid-1990’s Karen managed a retail silver store in Plano, Texas where she served numerous clients. Karen later earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Directing from the University of North Texas (UNT), Denton, Texas. Karen earned her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas in 2007. She is a licensed attorney and member of the State Bar of Texas.
Legal Secretary - Judy Fokakis
Legal Secretary, Judy Fokakis began her employment with City of Tyler on September 9, 1992. Prior to that, she was the legal secretary for the City of Texarkana from 1982 to 1992. Her current duties include legal support, agenda support, office management and maintaining the City Code and Policies.
Legal/Risk/City Clerk Secretary - Robbie Gribble
Legal/Risk/City Clerk Secretary, Robbie Gribble began her employment with the City of Tyler on June 16, 2009. Her duties include claims handling, Property and Casualty liason, Third Party Administration, insurance liaison, and legal support.
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Legal Department Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question or need assistance involving the following, please contact the department or individual named by e-mail or phone.
| Bills owed by the Legal Department |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Delinquent Paving Assessment |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Delinquent Sales Tax Assessment |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Law Library |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Lawsuit Status |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Claim against the City |
Sara McCracken |
(903)531-1149 |
City Council Agenda |
Submit all questions in this area to
City Manager’s Office
(903)531-1250 |
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How do I submit an item to be placed on the City Council agenda? |
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How do I find out if a specific item is on the agenda? |
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How do I find out the status of a specific agenda item (from City Employee)
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City Policies |
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Substance question other than money or personnel |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
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Typo or form question |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
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Substance question re: money |
Daniel Crawford |
(903)531-1140 |
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Substance question re: personnel |
ReNissa Wade |
(903)531-1112 |
Civil Service |
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Employee status, tests, Civil Service Commission |
Rose Ray |
(903)531-1112 |
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Law or Regulations |
Steve Kean |
(903)531-1161 |
Municipal Court - Prosecutor's Office |
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Do you have a Tyler Municipal Court case pending? |
TylerMunicipal Court |
(903)531-1266 |
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Do you need to speak to a Prosecutor about your Tyler Municipal Court case? |
Prosecutor's Office |
(903)595-7198 |
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Are you a witness in a Tyler Municipal Court case and need to speak to the Prosecutor? |
Prosecutor's Office |
(903)595-7198 |
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Traffic Ticket |
Tyler Municipal Court |
(903)531-1266 |
Open Records - Miscellanous
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How to get a copy of something |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
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Status of pending request |
Judy Fokakis |
(903)531-1161 |
| Ordinance (Does City regulate _____) |
Judy Fokakis
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(903)531-1161 |
| Notary Application for City employee |
Sara McCracken |
(903)531-1149 |
| Sales Tax Board Item |
Carter Delaney |
(903)533-7435
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| Zoning Question |
Planning |
(903)531-1175 |
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Legal Links
| This site permits you to access and search external web sites which consist of resources. The City has created this web site as a service to our citizens and the Internet community. These sites are not a part of the City’s web site and the City of Tyler has no control over their availability, content or maintenance. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the law and our reliance on information produced by outside sources, the City of Tyler does not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the content of the sites to which it links. Citizens are advised that the official edition of any legal resource found through this web site should be consulted. |
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Contact the Legal Department
903-531-1161
To send your suggestion or question to the Legal Department, click here.
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Prosecutor’s Office
Tyler Municipal Court
813 N. Broadway Ave
Tyler, TX 75702-4507
PhONE: (903)595-7198
A Prosecutor will be in the office for regularly scheduled Office Hours every Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m.
If you have a Ticket or Case pending in the Tyler Municipal Court and you have NOT appeared before the Judge to enter your plea; please contact the Court at 903.531.1266 and a Court Clerk will direct your call to the appropriate person.
If you are a defense attorney or you have a case set for trial in the Tyler Municipal Court and you need to speak with a Prosecutor about your case please leave a message on the Prosecutor’s telephone line at, 903.595.7198 and include the following information:
Defendant’s Name,
Defendant’s Date of Birth,
Ticket or Cause Number,
Attorney’s Name, and
Attorney’s Telephone Number.
Please note that Prosecutors generally only return telephone calls for those persons set for trial, their attorneys and witnesses scheduled to appear in Court.
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