County collects $71,500 in past due fines

A fine recovery program started nearly 18 months ago has more than paid for itself, said Jefferson County Attorney Tim Dille.

In the fall of 2010, Kris Barker was hired by the county part time to track down unpaid state fines. Upon collection, the funds are split between the county and the state.

?It?s been working well,? said Dille. ?It will be an ongoing program.?

Jefferson County has two collections programs, said Barker.

?The first program is The County Attorney Collection Payment Plan for the collection of delinquent court debt,? she said. ?The other is The Jefferson County Attorney?s Office Drivers? License Reinstatement Program for the collection of fines owed that are suspending someone?s drivers? license.?

Currently, the county has approximately 375 open collections cases.

?Jefferson County gets approximately 40 percent of the amount collected, and the state receives the remaining 60 percent,? said Barker. ?So far the programs have collected approximately $71,500 for Jefferson County, that?s our 40 percent.?