Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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May 23, 2007

City deals with debt

Agency collects $17,000 of

By CHARLES OWENS

BLUEFIELD — City officials are starting to make a dent in the collection of more than $600,000 worth of delinquent accounts.

A collection agency contracted by the city has collected about $17,000 in delinquent debt, according to City Finance Director Bill Calhoun.

The city turned over more than 850 delinquent accounts earlier this year to National Recovery Agency. The delinquent accounts included street, fire and garbage fees — some dating back as far as the year 2000.

David Katz asked the city Board of Directors Tuesday for an update on the delinquent accounts.

“As of the middle of May, we originally turned over about $600,000 in delinquent accounts,” Calhoun said. “I believe that’s 800 customers. They’ve collected $17,000.”

Calhoun said approximately $14,000 of the $17,000 collected has been remitted back to the city of Bluefield.

The collection agency began contacting residents with delinquent accounts by letter earlier this year.

Residents in the city with delinquent accounts have up to 180 days to resolve the debt before it is turned over to the collection agency. Once a letter is received from a collection agency, residents have 30 days to resolve the delinquent accounts.”

In other board action Tuesday, Mayor Rev. Garry Moore said he had an opportunity Tuesday to see the city of Bluefield from the air while riding in a Carilion medical helicopter.

“I got to ride the helicopter all over Bluefield,” Moore said. “The city of Bluefield is extremely beautiful. There is something to be said about from a distance. The city of Bluefield is absolutely beautiful from the air. And I’m told it’s actually more beautiful at night.”

Vice Mayor Linda Whalen said new hanging baskets and flower pots are being placed across the downtown, as well as new banners.

“On behalf of the downtown merchants, we want to thank Mrs. (Gayle) Satterfield and the beautification commission,” Art Riley, of the downtown merchant’s association, said. “They are doing a great job.”

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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