The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Keara Weber
In a proactive step toward improving accountability and strengthening the justice system, Hancock County has officially launched a new initiative to collect longstanding fines and fees through PayCourt collections.
By joining this program, the county becomes the 90th in Illinois to partner with PayCourt—a move aimed at encouraging compliance and recovering funds, most of which have been overdue for years.
This decision was made after extensive evaluation and preparation. Hancock County State’s Attorney Bobi Gail James and Circuit Clerk Keara Weber have worked together, reviewing hundreds of cases to ensure the collection process is both fair and transparent.
“This wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said Weber. “We made sure that no one currently making payments is being sent to collections. The majority of cases will be given one last opportunity to address their balances before being referred.”
The push to improve collections comes after a noticeable drop in payments.
“We want to stress that efforts are not about penalizing those who are unable to pay they are about restoring accountability and keeping our judicial system functioning efficiently,” added James. “There will remain a process for addressing any payment difficulties with the Court for those cases not referred to collections. These funds support a wide range of essential services and their recovery benefits the entire community.”
By implementing this measure, Hancock County joins the majority of Illinois counties that have already adopted similar collection strategies. Officials remain committed to a thoughtful and respectful process, ensuring fairness while encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their outstanding obligations. Individuals with questions or concerns about their cases are encouraged to reach out to the Circuit Clerk’s Office.