Illinois Counties Consider Hiring Collection Agencies

Collecting debt is becoming a job requiring more time, energy and money than many cash-strapped Southern Illinois county governments have to handle it.

Perry County State’s Attorney David Stanton said an average day at the office holds enough work to keep his staff more than busy. Worrying about money someone owed them the day before, the day before that or even a couple years prior is usually out of the question.

“We currently have three clerical staff,” Stanton said. “One completely focuses on past due court fines and fees; for the other about two-thirds of what she does is bad checks.”

A tight budget is forcing Stanton to lay off one of his three staffers. Subsequently, the work will have to be shifted among the remaining employees.

Stanton said if he wants to keep collecting on past due court costs, he needs outside help. It’s the perfect time to take up a private collection agency’s offer to help make outstanding balances owed to the county current.

For this complete story, please visit Illinois Counties Consider Hiring Collection Agencies.