Lubbock County Collections Assistant Sets Tone, Inspires Effort
The mission of the Lubbock County Judicial Compliance Department is straightforward: Enforce the collection of court-ordered fines, court costs, and attorney fees as an extension of the Lubbock County criminal courts. The methods to achieve the mission are sometimes roundabout, but for good reason. For Collections Compliance Assistant Erma Robinson, it all comes down to the approach.
Many people who walk into Robinson’s Lubbock office have their emotions written on their face; some are fearful, others are frustrated or angry, and many are simply overwhelmed.
“The first thing I say to them is, ‘Smile! This isn’t jail,’ ” Robinson shared. “Then, I tell them that I have bills to pay, too.”
Next, Robinson pauses and listens. Before long, a rapport is developed, laying the groundwork for creating a plan.
While her approach is indeed compassionate, Robinson does not gloss over the matter at hand: compliance.
“I tell them they need to make an attempt, show good faith, and work with me,” Robinson emphasized.
Whether it be a payment schedule, community service, or a combination, a reasonable plan is put together, allowing for work schedules and probation requirements such as court-ordered programs or classes.
One of Robinson’s most memorable moments as a compliance assistant was when three women from a women’s shelter came back to visit following their individual successful resolutions. The trio asked Robinson to take a photo with them to celebrate their recovery and restitution. Each of the women had opted to pay their fees rather than perform community service.
“They wanted to make restitution, make amends,” Robinson recalled. “They were so proud and came back to see me to share their success.”
In appreciation of Robinson’s contribution to the Lubbock County Judicial Compliance Department, one of Robinson’s coworkers nominated her for the 2024 Becky Sirmans Award from the Governmental Collectors Association of Texas (GCAT).
“She is my go-to when I have difficult customers who I cannot help when there is a communication/understanding barrier,” the nomination read. “I admire her ability to go above and beyond to help all clients and coworkers when needed. Her efforts and results are always top tier either through calls to get in payments or resetting payment plans to help all clients avoid returning to court for a show cause hearing. I truly believe she makes a difference in our office!”
Robinson wasn’t the only GCAT 2024 award winner. The Lubbock County Judicial Compliance Department was named GCAT 2024 Collections Program of the Year.
“Lorrie Jarnagin and her staff have worked tirelessly to attain these accolades,” shared Lubbock County Commissioner Mike Dalby. “They are the standard in county judicial compliance, and we take great pride in her department’s efforts and urge other counties to follow her lead. These collections help provide essential county services and promote compliance within the county, as well as provide budget flexibility while offsetting administrative costs,” Dalby continued. “This Commissioners Court is grateful to her team in their service to the citizens of Lubbock County.”
Jarnagin began with Lubbock County Judicial Compliance in 2009 and was appointed director in 2017. Her department collects criminal court costs, fines, and fees for the county, serving four justices of the peace, two county courts, and four district courts.
“Our goal is compliance, and we help offenders reach that goal,” Jarnagin shared.
The department has a budget of $442,446, and last year efforts yielded $1,122,000 in collections.
Some collections departments are under other offices such as the county or district clerk, Jarnagin observed. In Lubbock County, the department is directly under the Commissioners Court. In fact, when it comes to a successful in-house collections program, Jarnagin said the first step is the support of the County Commissioners Court.
