Commission discusses unpaid negligent-fire invoices, directs outreach and follow-up

County staff presented an aging report of unpaid negligent-fire invoices and recommended follow-up actions to recover amounts owed.

According to staff, the aging report lists invoices dating back to roughly 2018–2019; staff said the largest unpaid invoice flagged in the meeting was about $1,400 from 2021 and other unpaid amounts range from around $1,000 to $4,600. Staff said prior letters and invoices had been mailed, some addresses have been updated, and several properties remain in county records. The presenter said some debtors moved away and some records contain misspellings that complicated outreach.

Commission discussion focused on remedies and collection options. Commissioners asked whether the county can attach unpaid invoices to property tax rolls and whether a court judgment would increase leverage. Staff said some remedies require a judgment while some collection actions can follow administrative processes; city limits are treated differently from county unincorporated areas.

A commissioner offered to perform in-person outreach—knocking on doors to make first contact with property owners—to see whether updated addresses or payment agreements are possible. Commissioners agreed to try face-to-face contact first, then pursue liens or court remedies if necessary. The commission directed staff to return with an update in two weeks.

No formal vote was needed to authorize outreach; the meeting record shows commissioners agreed to the proposed approach and scheduled follow-up.