Van Buren supervisors authorize 28E collections agreement with Lee County

Van Buren County supervisors voted July 14 to authorize a 28E intergovernmental agreement with Lee County to collect delinquent court fines and related fees on behalf of Van Buren County.

A collections representative with experience operating the program for neighboring counties described how the model works: the state allocates a share (example cited: 28 percent of collected fines), the county attorney’s office receives a 5 percent portion of that recovery, and a partner county performing collections would receive an agreed percentage for the work — the presenter offered to provide services at a 35 percent fee for Van Buren County. The board heard examples from Greene County (reported $134,000 collected in FY25) and Wayne County (reported $380,000 collected for FY25 in a county of comparable size) as evidence that collections programs can generate revenue without raising taxes.

Under the arrangement discussed, Van Buren County would not receive funds until collections reach a $25,000 threshold; once met, the county’s general fund and the county attorney’s office would receive their statutory shares and Lee County’s fee would be applied as contracted. Presenters described operational steps — a digital sign‑up button on Lee County’s website, flexible payment plans for residents, and processes for restitution and sheriff’s fees — and offered to provide forms and website integration.

Supervisor Mark Meeks was named in a prepared resolution as the board member authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the board. The board agreed to sign and notarize the 28E agreement and to file the necessary copies once completed.