By Shelly Kirchner
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. – Each of the five candidates in the race for Rhea County Circuit Court clerk says he or she knows how to address one of the job’s biggest tasks – collecting $2.1 million in overdue fees and fines.
Republicans Larry Ballard, Pam Peavyhouse and Karen Walker and Democrats Cheryl Cashman and Jamie Holloway are running to replace Regina Metts, who is retiring.
All agree that collecting the fines and fees is a major goal of the winner.
In 2008, Accu-Check Collection Services was awarded the contract to set up a system to collect the money. But Accu-Check owner Glen Isbell found that the government’s software was incompatible with his system.
Rhea County is expected to update its computer system in October, which could make it possible for Accu-Check to do the job. However, the contract expired in February and the county has decided to readvertise for bids.
During a candidate forum in Spring City, Tenn., earlier this month in which all five candidates participated, Mr. Holloway noted that the amount of money owed just keeps increasing.
“In 2008, the fines and fees uncollected by the clerk’s office was $1.6 million and now in 2010 has increased to $2.1 million,” he said. “Absolutely no progress has been made.”
Ms. Cashman, who has worked in the Circuit Court clerk’s office for 18 years, said she understands what needs to happen once the new software is in place.
“We have had trouble with vendors in the past with the county’s software, and I know the new software to be installed in October will be a lot easier for the clerks,” she said. “I know the responsibilities of the job and … I know changes need to be made.”
Ms. Peavyhouse, who has worked as a police officer and as a 911 dispatcher, said her time in retail management gave her the tools to address the uncollected fees.
“For a brief period of time I was a leader in retail with grocery store management, keeping books and records,” she said. “I will put forth every effort to collect these fees, and I think we should give half of it to the citizens.”
Ms. Walker said her 16 years as chief deputy clerk for the Circuit Court clerk’s office trained her for all aspects of the office.
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“I have gained a lot of knowledge of the law and, while the collection of the fines and fees has never fallen into my hands in the past, I know it needs attention and I have the managerial skills that make me the best qualified candidate for the job,” she said.
Mr. Ballard said he would approach the Circuit Court job as a small business.
“I think it should be run like a small business with the same standards and disciplines,” he said. “It should be making a profit as a small business.”