Philly city workers first targeted for court debts

More than 600 Philadelphia city employees are receiving a not-so-gentle reminder to pay up outstanding fines and court costs. 

Currently 622 city employees have past due fines, fees and other court related costs totaling about a $1 million.  Judge Marsha Niefield says a letter will be sent to the workers.

“Those who voluntarily come forward will have the opportunity to structure payment plans consistent with other payment plans being offered to other individuals those who do not come forward will have their wages garnished,” said Niefield.  “Drastic fiscal times call for drastic fiscal measures.”

Dave Wasson, an administrator for the First Judicial District, is in charge of collecting the money.

“We’re not singling out city employees we want to get back in touch with you,” he said.  “For whatever reason we’ve lost contact over the years, get back in touch with us get caught up with your payment plan and you won’t have to worry about wage attachment.”

One city worker owes $150,000 to the city, others owe an average of about $4,000.