Politics & Government
UPDATE: Expecting Money? Morton Grove May Seize It
If you expect a check from the state of Illinois--say a tax refund--you may not get it if you owe fines or other money to the village of Morton Grove. The village is working with the state to garnish money the state owes you.
This story has been updated with a list of 16 local governments, in addition to the village of Morton Grove, collecting money through this program.
The village of Morton Grove wants to collect money owed to it, just like everybody else does.
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But the village is going to start using a tool the ordinary citizen doesn't have access to, according to the village's website. It's partnering with the state of Illinois Comptroller's office so that, when the state owes you some money--say in the form of a tax refund--but you owe the village of Morton Grove some money--say in an outstanding fine or fee--the village of Morton Grove can seize the funds.
Earlier: Top stories of 2012 in Morton Grove
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According to the village, the Comptroller’s Local Debt Recovery Program allows local governments to submit their outstanding debt to the state, and the state determines whether it is due to pay any of those debtors. If so, it notifies the debtor that he or she has 60 days to contest the debt with the village. If the village believes the debt is valid but the debtor does not, the debtor can contact the state comptroller's office to contest the debt. If the debtor proves his or her case, the state releases the money to the individual. If the debt is found valid, however, the state comptroller's office pays the money to the village.
According to the village, it will post a list of debtors on its website so residents and businesses can check to see if they owe the village money.
The Illinois Comptroller's Office said the following 16 local governments, in addition to Morton Grove, are also collecting money through this program:
o City of Chicago
o City of Collinsville
o City of Joliet
o City of Northlake
o City of Rock Falls
o City of Springfield
o City of St. Charles
o City of Urbana
o College of DuPage
o Carl Sandburg College
o IL Eastern Community College
o Jackson Co Housing Authority
o Lake Land College
o Village of Addison
o Village of Elk Grove
o Village of Villa Park
Those who would like more information on Morton Grove's program can contact Morton Grove Assistant Village Administrator Peter Falcone at 847-663-3019 or by email at pfalcone@mortongroveil.org.
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