(1) The county may, at its option, assign the collection of fines or monetary penalties to a collection agency or commence a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect costs and expenses of enforcement, costs of abatement incurred by the county to obtain compliance pursuant to this chapter and/or to collect any fines or penalties that have been assessed.

(2) The county, pursuant to chapter 19.16 RCW and at its option, may use a collection agency for the purpose of collecting penalties assessed in accordance with this chapter. The county shall add a reasonable fee to the outstanding debt for the collection agency fee incurred or to be incurred as a result of the use of the collection agency. No debt may be assigned to a collection agency until at least 30 days have elapsed from the time that the county attempts to notify the person responsible for the debt and that the debt may be assigned to a collection agency for collection of an unpaid debt.

(3) The county may convert the hearing examiner order or final order into a judgment. (Added by Amended Ord. 08-062, Oct. 1, 2008, Eff date Nov. 1, 2008).