Washington County approves agreement with third‑party collector to pursue delinquent mobile‑home and personal‑property taxes

Washington County supervisors voted to authorize a third‑party agreement to pursue collection of delinquent mobile‑home taxes and certain personal‑property taxes, following staff presentation and legal review.

County staff identified the vendor as an outside collection firm and said the company typically charges up to 25% on amounts it recovers. One supervisor said the county often recovers little on older debts and that turning aged receivables to a vendor could increase net collections. "The statute said they can charge up to 25%. So I really don't have a problem with the amount they charge," a board member said.

Board members also sought confirmation that the vendor would operate consistent with Mississippi law and that the contract language would not require the county to receive funds and then remit them back to the vendor in a way that conflicts with requirements. County staff said they would verify statutory details and remove or alter any contract language that created a conflict.

After those assurances, the board moved, seconded and voted to approve the agreement, with staff told to proceed quickly to implement the contract.

Ending: The board approved the collection agreement and instructed staff to confirm statutory compliance and payment procedures before final implementation.