City Finance Committee Ponders Hiring Debt Collector

Huntington, WV, is currently in talks with a representative of Pro Collectors of Parkersburg, W.Va. to discuss placing delinquent municipal fees and refuse fees in the hands of a the debt collecting firm. Bruce Blough, owner, who also does collection work for Clarksburg and Vienna, told the committee his company takes approximately 27-30% of the collected amount if a law suit is not implemented. He said his firm generally has a 23-30% collection rate (the national average is 18-21%) and they encourage debtors to use payment plans, rather than an all upfront situation. Finance Director Bob Wilhelm praised the prospect of a company ?calling [to] see if they can get the money,? something which his office does not have enough personnel to do in house. Blough, whose website is http://procollectors.com , indicated to Farrell and others that they follow all collection ethics and laws and have not been sued. His company has 23 full time and two part time employees. ?Neither my company, associates or I have ever been sued for fraudulent collection practices,? Blough stated.

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