Township to Put Collection Agency on Fines Deadbeats

While it's unlikely you will end up in the county jail if you fail to pay court fines, the township is one step closer to enacting a deterrent for those who may be thinking of going the deadbeat route.

Think annoying phone calls at all hours of the day.

Even worse: Think bad credit.

The Township Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution allowing for the solicitation of bids for court collection services.

The state Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) oversees firms involved in collecting fines for municipal courts, Solicitor David Carlamere noted during the meeting.

"The AOC I believe has indicated that you can't incarcerate individuals for failure to pay fines," Councilman Dan Hutchison said prior to his affirmative vote on the bid resolution. "This is a proactive step on the behalf of municipalities all around the state to collect these fines. I think it's a step in the right direction."

Councilwoman Michelle Gentek abstained.