Hillsboro participates in a state program that helps cities recover at least some of what's owed them. The city submits outstanding bills to the state and, for a small percentage to cover its costs, the state deducts the money from checks the debtors would otherwise receive through tax refunds, lottery winnings and other state-controlled revenue sources.

Not every debtor gets a tax refund or wins money in the lottery, so it's not a full-proof strategy. But it is one way to hold at least some people responsible for their financial obligations.