Explanation
Background: This legislation will authorize the City Attorney to enter into contracts with collection agents Capital Recovery Systems, Inc., Law Offices of Robert A. Schuerger Co., LPA, and Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP for initial three (3) year terms each, with the option of two additional one (1) year extensions, and will authorize payment of court costs, and the reimbursement of any overpayments collected from the Collection Fees fund. This fund is generated by fees collected by collection agents and used to pay the associated collection costs due.
The accounts receivables collection program within the City Attorney's Claims Section has been ongoing since 1996. On March 15, 2024, the City of Columbus Purchasing Office on behalf of the City Attorney issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ 027214) for collection services and received a total of six (6) responses. A five-member Selection Committee reviewed the proposals, and of the six (6) responses, three (3) companies were invited to give presentations and to further discuss their qualifications. After thorough review and consideration, the Selection Committee recommended that the City Attorney enter into contracts with the three (3) collection agencies listed above.
In 2009, Ordinance 0130-2009 authorized a program which adjusted the fee structure of the city's debt collection program. Effective April 1, 2009, the ordinance created a new fee to be added to the total debt collected on all new and existing accounts without payment plans. This additional fee allows the city to recover one hundred percent (100%) of the debts collected, and the debtor pays the additional collection fee. This program will continue under the contracts with the chosen collection agents.
Emergency: Emergency declaration is requested so the collection process can continue without interruption.
Contract Compliance Numbers:
Capital Recovery Systems, Inc., 31-1570459, CC005578 expires 04/16/2026
L...
Click here for full text