April Department Spotlight - Trust, Accounting and Collections

Posted By: Marsha Bills

Trust, Accounting and Collections Continuously Moving Ahead
With Progressive New Programs Under Leonard Blackwell

When Leonard Blackwell was hired by District Clerk Gary Fitzsimmons, the new Manager of Trust, Accounting and Collections was given a massive mission: Bring the departments’ policies and procedures in line with the most progressive government practices. In less than two years, Leonard Blackwell, along with Accounting Supervisor Rhonda Ford and her staff, has developed and implemented programs that have improved the District Clerk’s Returned Check Process, resulting in a 57% increase on the collection of the principal amount on all returned checks in the last six months and a 9 % increase on fees collected for all returned items in the last six months. These figures are representative of the kind of results each section – Trust, Accounting and Collections -- has consistently produced within the last two years.

To ensure that the department’s staff stays abreast of the numerous new procedures and policies that are continuously being developed, employees undergo monthly training classes. With the assistance of Trust Supervisor George Vent, Accounting Supervisor Rhonda Ford and employees, the department has designed, created and implemented a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure Manual for each Section within the Trust and Accounting Division.

Since his appointment, Leonard has also overseen the implementation of automation of the department’s check processing and disbursement for the Trust and Accounting Division, and Juvenile Section; the automation of transmission of documents and attachments to the County Auditor and County Treasurer, State of Texas Attorney General Office and other entities; and the establishment of TEXPOOL to invest Court Registry Funds with greater security and effectiveness.

In addition, the department has implemented debit card acceptance online and at cashier windows at Family, Civil and Criminal Collections as well as the Criminal Records. Along with the supervisor of Criminal Support Services, Leonard co-created the standard operating procedure for the Criminal Division’s use of credit and debit cards.

Another example of the transformations the department has undergone is the centralization of all Trust and Accounting Division Reports, the creation of a more secure workplace by introducing new security standards, and the creation of an electronic Check Log for the entire division to track all incoming and outgoing checks. Along with Trust Supervisor George Vent, Leonard has also developed an automated address database to coordinate relevant county operations, eliminating duplications.

It is this kind of pro-active, outside-the-box thinking that has lead the Trust and Accounting division to be one of the District Clerk’s most progressive sections, embracing and using technology and countywide cooperation to create the progressive and efficient department the District Clerk envisioned.

HOME