Fines can be paid by Web or phone in regional counties
WILLMAR -- People who receive citations in Kandiyohi, Meeker and Swift counties can now pay their fines through an automated phone system or online using a credit card 24/7.
The service is available only for citations that do not require a court appearance. The service is being rolled out statewide over a two-year period as part of a Judicial Branch effort to reduce costs and improve service to the public, said Kandiyohi County Court Administrator Teresa Fredrickson in a press release Friday.Under the project, the processing of about one million payable citations each year is being transitioned from local courthouses to a centralized Court Payment Center, located in Willmar at the Kandiyohi County Courthouse. The project also includes creation of a statewide call center to answer questions and direct callers to the appropriate location if a court appearance or other action is required.
Payments can be made by calling 651-281-3219 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3611. Payment can also be made through the Judicial Branch Website: www.mncourts.gov.
A nominal convenience fee will be charged for each payment made by phone or Web. Payments can still be made in person at county courthouses or by mail.
When the two-year project is complete it will reduce manual data entry, freeing up court staff for other case processing duties, Fredrickson said.
