8-1920: Initiation of Legal Action to Collect a Debt

Purpose

This Policy is established to ensure that legal actions taken to collect debt are done throughout the County in an efficient and systematic manner. Board Resolution #99-0158 establishes the policies that govern the Department of Finance, Revenue Recovery and, absent Board authority, Revenue Recovery is authorized to use all legal means to enforce collection of debts.

Some examples of legal action include, but are not limited to: obtaining judgments, imposing liens, garnishing wages and bank accounts, and intercepting personal income tax refunds.

Revenue Recovery may consolidate claims, including regulatory compliance, into one lawsuit when a debtor owes more than one department and legal action is deemed necessary.

Authority

• Board of Supervisor Resolution #99-0158

Scope

This policy applies to all Sacramento County Departments.

Policy

It  is the  policy of the County of Sacramento to have the Department of Finance, Revenue Recovery act on behalf of referring departments. Revenue Recovery may use all legal means to enforce collection of debts.

In order for legal actions to be processed efficiently and effectively, County Departments will refer outstanding debts to Revenue Recovery when 90 days delinquent. Revenue Recovery will determine if legal action is appropriate or if there are more cost effective means for collecting the amount due.

​Departments shall maintain internal procedures consistent with this County policy.