A Meridian, Miss.-based collection agency told the Lauderdale County (Miss.) Board of Supervisors last week that they have the expertise to collect $7.2 million in unpaid fines and fees owed to the county since 1984.
The county currently uses Specialized Management Services to collect debts owed to the county. That four-year contract expires at the end of May.
Lauderdale County Justice Court Clerk Darlene Jones said collection efforts last year resulted in $161,000 being returned to the county.
Charles Graham and Kim Graham, the owners of Graham Enterprises, which they founded in 2000, told county officials that its “top-of-the-line" technology, including that the firm hosts its own website and servers in-house, is the key reason why the board should hire their company. They stressed that there will be no out-of-pocket costs for the county.
They told the board that they use every legal remedy allowed while aggressively pursuing recoveries but that they also believe in being respectful and kind to debtors.
