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Supervisors split on adding county fine‑collection specialist; fiscal payoff uncertain
Summary
Board discussion focused on a proposed attorney-office hire to increase fine recovery. Staff said two current specialists recovered about $500,000 annually and an additional specialist might increase collections, but supervisors asked for data on how much remains 'on the table' and raised equity concerns about aggressive collections of low-income residents.
The board debated a proposal from the county attorney's office to add one fine‑collection specialist. Staff said the existing two specialists collect roughly $500,000 a year and that adding another staffer could increase recovery (staff cited garnishments as an untapped tool). An attorney-office representative said larger counties with more staff collect substantially more through garnishments and similar tools.
Opponents on the board asked how much revenue is actually "left on the table," and urged caution because the county faces potential state levy caps and some residents may be struggling financially. "What I'm saying is we're gonna be getting possibly less money because of the caps we're gonna be getting. So when we know we're facing caps and we're facing reductions in revenue, we should not be expanding a department that already has too many employees," one supervisor said. Proponents argued the function is self‑sustaining and could net more revenue than the fully‑burdened cost of the position.
Staff recommended hiring one position as a test and returning after one year with measured results. The board asked staff to locate and share the prior staffing study for the county attorney's office before making a final decision.
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