A. The Municipal Court may use collection agencies as defined by Chapter 19.16 RCW for purposes of collecting unpaid penalties on infractions, criminal fines, costs, assessments, civil judgments, or forfeitures that have been imposed by the Court. The Municipal Court may enter into agreements with one or more attorneys or collection agencies for collection of outstanding penalties, fines, costs, assessments, and forfeitures. These agreements may specify the scope of work, remuneration for services, and other charges deemed appropriate.

B. Servicing of delinquencies by collection agencies or by collecting attorneys in which the Municipal Court retains control of its delinquencies shall not constitute assignment of debt.

C. The term “debt” shall include penalties, fines, costs, assessments, or forfeitures imposed by the Municipal Court.

D. The Municipal Court may assess, as court costs, the moneys paid for remuneration for services or charges paid to collecting attorneys, to collection agencies, or, in the case of credit cards, to financial institutions. [Ord. 252 § 1, 2000; Ord. 15 § 21, 1995.]