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Commissioners press Adams Bank over recurring credit‑card late fees, staff weigh legal options
Summary
The board reviewed recurring late fees appearing on Adams Bank credit-card statements that county staff say stem from the bank's misapplied credits; commissioners asked staff to pursue settlement or demand letter and to provide updated payoff figures for possible legal action.
County officials told the board they have repeatedly disputed late fees on Adams Bank credit-card accounts and maintain the bank misapplied credits and posted charges incorrectly. Staff described sending spreadsheets and documentation to the bank showing the bank’s accounting errors; late fees and monthly statements continue to appear despite the county’s protests.
What staff and commissioners discussed: - History: Staff said the county provided spreadsheets and supporting documentation to the bank demonstrating misapplied credits and that the bank has acknowledged an error but continues to send monthly fee statements. - Options discussed: Commissioners and staff weighed negotiating a settlement payoff to close the account or issuing a demand letter inviting the bank to file suit (which staff said would likely fail given the documentation). One commissioner suggested asking the bank what amount it would accept to resolve the matter; another favored escalating to a formal demand or legal action to obtain a final resolution. - Next steps: County staff agreed to provide an up-to-date calculation of the outstanding charges and to send a firm demand or settlement offer to the bank; commissioners asked for steps to clean up the issue for audit purposes.
Why this matters: Unresolved vendor or financial-institution disputes can complicate audits, produce recurring charges, and impose administrative burdens on county staff. Commissioners signaled they want the matter closed promptly either by negotiated payoff or by forcing the bank to pursue formal collection.
Ending: Staff will compile the latest account figures and advise the board on whether to send a demand letter, negotiate a payoff amount or refer to county counsel for litigation. The board expressed a clear preference for a definitive end to the recurring fees.
