Auditor-controller seeks to delete five revenue collection positions amid changes to collection authority

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved an amendment to the county salary resolution to delete five positions in the revenue-collection unit, the county controller said, after supervisors were told changes in state law have reduced the unit's ability to collect certain debts.

Why it matters: The controller said the revenue-collection unit is running an operating deficit—roughly half a million dollars—because legislative changes have limited collections on some classes of debt; the board approved deleting positions to align staffing with current collection realities.

Details: Oscar Garcia (controller, treasurer, tax collector) told the board state law changes over recent years have left much of the unit's caseload uncollectible, producing about a $500,000 deficit. He asked the board to remove four collections representative positions and one supervising account clerk from the salary resolution. Three of the collections representative positions are filled; staff will work with Human Resources on reassignments for affected employees.

Operations and alternatives: The controller said the department will move to more passive collection strategies such as tax intercepts via the Franchise Tax Board and filing liens for unsecured obligations and will continue to send system-generated letters to debtors. The controller said the change aims to reduce operating costs while preserving core collection functions.

Board action: The board approved the salary-resolution amendment by unanimous vote. No public comments were made on the item.

Next steps: HR and the controller's office will manage any personnel actions and employee reassignments consistent with county policy. The board record will reflect the staffing deletions and the controller's plan to pursue passive collection tools.