Collections, how would we go about doing that?

On target with most of Performance Measures Woefully under achieving on Misdemeanor Collections Goal was 40 % Volusia Collection Rate 32% Formulated in court forms for payment plans During sentencing defendants were enrolled Terms set for satisfaction over 6 months Signed by defendant in courtroom Limited involvement, got payment plans started

From 32% to 29%

No follow-up after initiation No incentive to pay- sign and go home Incomplete explanation of process

90 days to implement- Got to haves One judge-One Courtroom implementation at a time Support from administration Go Getter as your Lead Compliance Officer

Flexibility in your approach With as much automation as you can apply

What makes things work Prints Management Reports and Post Card notices Compliance Software – I-Plow-Automates payment plans and Integrates to Case Management Voice Messaging DHSMV, 3 rd Party Collection Agency tracks due dates

What makes things work Office process incorporates applicants to front counter, acquaints customers and staff with waiting for next available counselor, creates plan on-line including image of signed plan at time of initiation.

What makes things work Application captures all relevant credit and asset information. Allows flexibility in regular obligation (not one cost divided evenly over a time frame). Puts responsibility back on applicant. Must keep in contact with office if situation changes.

What makes things work Notify often using multiple methods. Post cards and voice messaging calls delivered prior to payment being due, upon late prior to DL suspension, at DL suspension, and prior to delivery to 3 rd Party Collection Agency.

What makes things work Cooperation with Court teams. Judiciary meetings one on one to determine what works in each courtroom. One by one rollout to properly manage expectations.

Results? In first 6 weeks raised collection rate from 29% to nearly 35% All 6 judges implemented in less than 9 months at 2 locations Needs to become a priority at all levels to gain real momentum

Great cooperation from the Court Front Counter staffing completing plans and updating negotiated adjustments Automation actively creating plans, mailing postcards, making calls

Need to treat financial sanctions as penalties Working Plan but Plan isn’t producing – misdemeanor assessments hover at a 30% or lower collection rate Clerks as Collectors- New Territory Causes?? Need Additional ways to create convenience payments

Gathered information on Collection Success Stories Seminole County Focused Team of Collectors All Misdemeanor Assessments paid directly to Clerk Citrus County- Automated Payment methods ACH- Checking & Savings at enrollment Website payment ability

Beefing up Collections knowledge through training & experienced agents More automation planned to integrate data entry steps Revising focus to Misdemeanor plans only in County Court Limiting payment plan adjustments- pay or perform community service Adapting alternative methods for payment (ACH & Web payments)

Volusia County will continue to push for collections wherever possible Constrained by budgeted resources- requires scaled down implementation Make dollars budgeted create a revenue producing difference

Volusia County Clerk of the Court Don K. Murphy, PMP Director of Court Operations