Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Department

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Toni R. Wheeler, Director of the Legal Department Vicki Stanwix, Court Manager
DATE:	June 14, 2011
RE:	One year extension of collection services for Municipal Court

Please place the attached agreement on the June 28, 2011 City Commission Consent Agenda for consideration.  In 2008, the City entered into a three-year contract with Municipal Services Bureau to provide collection services for unpaid fines and fees in Municipal Court.  The agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2011.  The attached agreement extends the contract with the current provider for an additional year.

With the appointment of a new Municipal Court Judge, staff anticipates the use of collection agency services will decline in the future.  Judge Miller has demonstrated a preference to use judicial powers to collect unpaid court fines and fees, rather than to refer cases to the collection agency.  Court staff recommends extending the current contract through June 30, 2012.  Court staff can then evaluate whether to retain a collection agency in the future.

Action:  Authorize City Manager to execute First Extension for Renewal of Agreement for Collection Services.