Sep. 30--The city of Rusk wants to get what's coming to it.

Rusk City Council approved writing off about $15,000 worth of unpaid utility accounts during a special meeting held Sept. 23 and discussed the possibility of turning over outstanding accounts to a collection agency.

City Manager Mike Murray said people who owed were not being forgiven their debts.

"We're just getting them off the books," Murray said. "These accounts are still on record and we will try to collect on them as we are able."

Councilman Don Jones asked about getting outside help in collecting on those accounts

"Isn't it in the city's interest to find someone to help us with this?" he asked. "I would think so."

Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn suggested the city turn those accounts over to ETECH, a new telemarketing service that recently opened in downtown Rusk.

"I think we should send out letters to those we can, warning them we're going to turn the account over to a collection agency unless they pay," Raiborn said.

Councilman Kris Morgan agreed.

"There are some people on this list that I know for a fact still live here," Morgan said. "We shouldn't not try to collect what's owed to us."

Murray told council members Sept. 23 most of the accounts owed comprised of at least two months' worth of services, and explained the city posts bills a month behind, based on actual use rather than projected use.

Council members took no action regarding contracting with a collection service.

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