By Sara Quam
Rock County plans to get more aggressive in collecting county funds from recipients of financial help.
The Rock County Board Tuesday approved creating a full-time position for collections. The position had been less than full time since it was created in 1997.
Although the position will now include health and fringe benefits, the county still expects a profit from money brought in by collections.
Collections will come from people who were over-paid medical benefits, used detoxification services or from people who suddenly come into money after years of receiving financial assistance.
The position is 41-percent covered by federal reimbursement.
Family Services Director Randy Ehlers warned the board that the more aggressive approach to collections could come back to them in the form of complaints.
Commissioner Wildung said, "It's a good message to send to people about responsibility. I think an obligation is an obligation."
Ehlers said, "If we didnÕt think it was going to [add up] every year, we wouldn't suggest this."
The state has made it easier for counties to file judgments against people who've received excess payments or owe counties money. Judgments may come in the form of garnishing wages or seizing assets.
The county may work on the recommendation of Family Services to set a general collections policy.
Ona Reker, fiscal supervisor, said, "Collections is relatively new. We can define which way to go. Counties have been leaning toward a trend of being more aggressive."
In other business Tuesday the board:
Heard an update on Rock County Pool and Fitness Center developments. The Pool Commission has said it feels its hands are tied in helping to make a decision on the future of the facility because it doesn't have the authority to ask for proposals.
The commission and the city and county are open to ideas from interested parties who may manage, lease or purchase the Pool and Fitness Center to take the funding burden off the joint owners.
Commissioner Wildung said the commission, although it has limited power, could still outline what it feels needs to be addressed to improve the facility. It could compile a general list of what's good with each option the Pool and Fitness Center can use.
Heard a construction update from County Engineer Mark Sehr. He said Lincoln Street and one other bridge are the only projects not finished. Lincoln Street in Luverne is close to being finished and should be open to traffic this week. It will cost the contractor about $10,000 in fines for being late.
Closed the meeting to discuss union negotiations. The budget won't be fine-tuned until those are tallied, and talks are still in the works.