Commissioners Consider Initiating Debt Collection, Write-Off Policy

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Finance Director Vickie Neikirk presented a compelling argument for why the Dawson County Board of Commissioners should implement a Debt Collection and Write-Off policy during Thursday’s work session.

Neikirk pointed out the current balance of accounts receivable that would be eligible for collection for emergency services ambulance billing is $1,018,947. That debt was accrued over approximately 10 years. The average amount collected by a collection agency is approximately 10 percent.

Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford recommended commissioners approve Professional Recovery Services (PRS) for the job of collecting accounts receivable. Swafford said PRS is a family-owned, Durham, N.C.-based company.

“I feel very confident in making that recommendation to you even though they are about 5 percent higher than the other qualified bidder,” Swafford said. “They are very customer friendly and they are licensed to collect in all 50 states.” If someone moves out of state while owing the county money for services provided, PRS can still attempt to collect the debt.

Public Works Director David McKee presented a letter from the Georgia Department of Transportation, requesting a Letter of Roundabout Support at the intersection of SR 136 and Bailey Waters/Keith Evans intersection. GDOT also provided the county with previous crash data and the geometry of SR 136 that, it said, drives the need for the round-a-bout.

“There have been a lot of serious accidents at that intersection,” McKee pointed out. The letter of support doesn’t necessarily mean that a roundabout would be built there only that the state will take some action to make it safer. McKee pointed out that since SR 136 is a state highway, GDOT will likely take some action with or without county support.

McKee also presented an assessment of the fee situation at county’s transfer station.

The station operates six days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and commercial scales were purchased and installed on site. The current fee schedule has been in place since March 2013.

Eagle Point Landfill has increased its tipping fees by five percent. Current fees are $5-$22 lower than surrounding transfer stations and landfills for bulk garbage and .50 to $1 lower on bagged garbage.

Mckee said staff has reviewed all fee options and recommends bulk garbage rate be increased to $44 per ton. Staff recommends a minimum fee of $5 per load weighed. Bagged garbage rates stay as is at .50/bag with a 10 bag limit. Any garbage over 10 bags shall be weighed.