Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes a supplemental appropriation of $160,000.00 from the unappropriated balance of the Municipal Court Clerk's collection fund; authorizes the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk to enter into the first year of a three-year contract with Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. commencing September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008, for the provision of collection services for the Municipal Court Clerk's bond forfeiture judgments; authorizes an expenditure of $160,000.000.
The collection services have been ongoing since 1998. These services have been very successful in collecting fines and costs that would otherwise be uncollectible. Since, the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk's office does not have the resources in-house to adequately pursue these services; the Clerk believes it is in the City's best interest to out-source the collection services. The contract is self-funding in that the percentage charged for collecting the receivables is added to the total debt collected, pursuant to ORC 2335.24; thereby, negating any costs to the City of Columbus for this service.
Bid Information:
On May 21, 2007 formal competitive bids were solicited through SA 002460, for collection services. The bid closed on June 6, 2007. A total of five vendors submitted timely proposals. An evaluation committee of five was formed to evaluate the SOQs specified in the RFSQs on the following criteria:
1. The competence of the offeror to perform the required service.
2. The ability of the offeror to perform competently and expeditiously.
3. Past performance of the offeror.
On the basis of these criteria, the committee selected the best-qualified vendors for further consideration. The committee visited each of the selected offeror's facilities where a presentation was made by each of the offerors to elaborate on their proposals, statement of qualifications and other pertinent information. The committee ranked all the offerors based on the quality and feasibility of their proposals. The committee submitted in writing the ranking and explanation to the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk. In agreement with the committee, the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk awarded the contract to the best bidder: Capital Recovery Systems, Inc.
This company is not debarred, according to the excluded party listing system of the Federal Government or prohibited from being awarded a contract according to the Auditor of State unresolved finding for recovery certified search.
Contract Compliance Number: Capital Recovery Systems, Inc.: 31-1570459, Expiration Date: 2/2/2008
Emergency: Emergency declaration is requested for the continuity of the collection process.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance shall result in additional revenues to the general fund. No payment of services will be made until monies for the collection of the accounts receivable are deposited with the Clerk and subsequently with the City Treasurer. The supplemental appropriation of $160,000.00 shall be available as funds are deposited into the Clerk's collection fund.
Title
To authorize a supplemental appropriation of $160,000.00 from the unappropriated balance of the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk's collection fund; to authorize and direct the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk to enter into the first year of a three year contract with Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. for the provision of collections services; to authorize an expenditure up to $160,000.00 from the Clerk's collection fund appropriations; and to declare an emergency. ($160,000.00)
Body
Whereas, it is necessary to enter into contract with Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. to collect the accounts receivables bond forfeiture judgments for the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk; and
Whereas, passage of this ordinance will enable the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk to appropriate said funds within the unappropriated balance of the Municipal Court Clerk's collection fund; and
Whereas, that the proceeds are within the collection fund; and
Whereas, that the Franklin County Municipal Court has a immediate need for this service to bring in additional revenues to the general fund as well as other agencies in Franklin County; and,
Whereas, the contract was awarded pursuant to the provisions of the Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329, Section 329.13; and
Whereas, an emergency exists in the daily operations of the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize said contract for the collection services without interruption, for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare, now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk is authorized and directed to enter into the first year of a three year contract with Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. to review and collect the Municipal Court Clerk's accounts receivables bond forfeiture judgments.
Section 2. That from the unappropriated monies in the Municipal Court Clerk's collection fund, and from all monies estimated to be deposited into said fund, the sum of $160,000.00 be and is hereby appropriated within department 2601, fund 295, subfund 02, oca code 261295, object level one 03, object level three - 3336.
Section 3. That the expenditure of $160,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be expended from the Municipal Court Clerk's collection fund, department 2601, fund 295, subfund 02, oca 261295, object level one 03, object level three - 3336 to contract with Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. and that the Auditor is hereby authorized to draw warrants upon the treasury for services there under upon receipt of invoices from the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk.
Section 4. That the contracts were awarded pursuant to the provisions of the Columbus City Codes, Chapter 329, Section 329.13.
Section 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, where is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure, which shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approved by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.