The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation is looking to intercept income tax refunds to collect outstanding debt. The school board Monday approved a memorandum of understanding to use the state’s Tax Refund Exchange and Compliance System.
Superintendent Dara Chezem told board members that taking families to small claims court for unpaid textbook fees, lunch fees, and iPad damages often hasn’t worked. “The charge to the family for small claims court is $145, and frequently the money is still not recouped,” Chezem said. “In fact, we have nearly $33,000 in outstanding money that hasn’t been paid.”
Chezem said the plan is to start with debts that have already been through small claims court. She said families will get one more letter giving them an opportunity to pay, before Eastern Pulaski starts going after state income tax refunds. The cost of using TRECS will be a $20 collection fee to families, plus a 15-percent additional charge.
