Burnet County warrant roundup called success
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BURNET — Burnet County law enforcement officers collected thousands of dollars during the state-sponsored "2010 Great Texas Warrant Round-Up" last month, officials said earlier this week.
County Judge Donna Klaeger commended the County Collections Compliance Office for clearing 158 arrest warrants and collecting more than $39,874 in unpaid fees and fines during the roundup Feb. 22-March 12.
"I think you did a great job," Klaeger told Stephanie McCormick, the county collections officer.
Although this was a statewide event, the Commissioners Court may authorize extra warrant roundups in the future, possibly every six months — once in the fall and once in the spring.
During the roundup, about 2,500 postcards were mailed to residents named in arrest warrants because of payments owed to the county.
More than $16,528 in hot check penalties were collected as well.
According to county records, the biggest day of the roundup was March 5 when the county cleared 39 warrants and collected more than $10,122.
On the other hand, the county handled just four warrants and collected only $543 when the courthouse and the Precinct 1 and 2 justices of the peace offices opened to collect unpaid fees on March 6 — a Saturday.
Nevertheless, the commissioners are happy with the overall results.
"I think (the roundup) was well worth the effort," Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Don Dockery said.
Residents can be jailed if they fail to pay overdue traffic tickets, fail to appear in court, write hot checks or commit several other violations, McCormick said.
Those who believe the county has a warrant for their arrest because of unpaid fines or fees can call the compliance office at (512) 715-5272.