Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Debt Collection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board recommends resolution to let county treasurer's staff file small-claims cases under Michigan law
Summary
The board recommended a resolution authorizing the treasurer to delegate staff to pursue small-claims matters (statutory limit $7,000); commissioners discussed how resolution court and local filings work before approving the measure.
The Board of Commissioners recommended forwarding a resolution to allow Macomb County's treasurer to delegate employees to file and represent the county in small-claims collection cases where permitted by Michigan law.
At the government oversight meeting, a county attorney explained Michigan law permits counties to proceed in small-claims court with appointed staff serving as the county's representatives. The staff presentation said the county has four collection members in the personal-property tax division who handle general tax collections and could pursue claims under the small-claims jurisdiction.
"Although we have a very talented staff of the corp counsel, anything under 7,000 is the current statutory limit we'd pursue," the presenter said, adding that matters above the limit would move to general jurisdiction and be handled by corporation counsel.
Commissioners asked how small-claims and local municipal resolution or mediation processes interact. County counsel and other speakers explained resolution court functions as a local mediation or settlement forum and does not replace small-claims court if parties do not agree.
Commissioner Howard noted residents had asked about unclaimed property lists from the state and whether the county pursued those amounts; staff said the county will research and file claims through an online form when the responsible department can be identified.
The board voted to recommend the resolution to the full board 12 to 0.
