Council approves ordinance allowing municipal court to use collection agencies, 5–1

The Glenwood Springs City Council voted 5–1 on May 1 to approve Ordinance 2025‑14, which authorizes the municipal court to enter agreements with third‑party collection agencies to pursue unpaid fines.

City Attorney Carl/Callahan and staff explained that the municipal court currently has about $29,000 in outstanding unpaid fines — largely out‑of‑state traffic tickets — and lacks explicit authority to refer those accounts to a collection vendor. The change in the city code would allow the city manager to sign collection agreements and would let the court add customary collection fees to outstanding balances.

Council debate focused on whether collection agencies are the most effective or equitable approach. Councilor Schmach expressed frustration with passing ordinances the city cannot enforce and said he opposed relying solely on collection firms, but ultimately seconded the motion. Councilors and staff described alternatives — wage garnishment and other legal steps — as time‑consuming and costly for small dollar amounts, and staff said collection vendors typically recover roughly 45–55% of pre‑fee balances.

Councilor Weimer moved approval of Ordinance 2025‑14 and Councilor Schmach seconded. The roll‑call vote recorded Townsley yes; Mayor Pro Tem Zielinski yes; Mayor Dem yes; Weimer yes; Schmaul no; Smith yes. The ordinance passed 5–1.

Next steps: the municipal court will pursue standard procurement and contract processes with a collection vendor if council’s ordinance is codified; staff said collection would be pursued only where it is cost‑effective and administratively feasible.