2000: "The Agency discussed the collection of past due Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety accounts with a number of collection agencies that had been selected by the Debt Collection Board. Due to the small amounts of the individual accounts (typically $15 - $50), these firms were reluctant to take responsibility for the collection.

In lieu of this fact, the agency designated an employee within the Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety to examine the past due accounts on a regular basis and send letters requesting payment after the issuance of the second notice. This arrangement yielded some success. However, the employee subsequently left the division and collection efforts became more sporadic.

The Agency has once more formally designated an individual within the Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety to review the accounts on a monthly basis and follow up with appropriate correspondence and further action beyond the issuance of a second notice.

As of the end of September, 2000, there were 13 Underground Storage Tank accounts receivable over 90 days old on the aging report. In spite of this relatively small number, in accordance with the finding, the agency is taking steps to insure that the number of such accounts does not grow. As with the Underground Storage Tank accounts, the Division of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety has designated an individual to review these accounts on a monthly basis.

After reasonable in house means of collection have been exhausted, the Agency will refer delinquent accounts to the Comptroller's Offset System as appropriate and, if necessary, renew the attempt to utilize collection agencies."

1998: "The Agency accepts the finding.

The establishment of an accurate and reliable data management system is the first step in pursuing an effective and efficient accounts receivable collection effort. Having made this first step, the Agency is studying specific means whereby each facet of the recommendation can be implemented. The Agency will confer with the Debt Collection Board in this effort. In conjunction, the Agency will determine a reasonable method to determine an allowance for uncollectible accounts to ensure net accounts receivable are properly reported."

1996: "The Agency accepts the finding and each of the recommendations."

1994: "The Agency is in agreement with this finding and recommendation.

The Agency is using the recommendation to serve as a checklist of deficiencies to be corrected in this system. As discussed in finding number three and in the response, the Agency is conscientiously applying systems standards and structured methodology to correct the many deficiencies noted in the finding as well as implement the controls listed in the recommendation.

The Agency has received assistance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and has implemented their recommendations with positive results. We intend to take full advantage of their offer of continued assistance.

The computer systems discussed in the finding were purchased for the Agency by USEPA. USEPA is currently developing a local area network (LAN) system for use by the states; the Agency intends to replace its current cumbersome system at the earliest possible opportunity with this LAN, which will facilitate the production of ad hoc spreadsheet reports for problem solving, as well as produce the basic reports discussed in the finding. At this writing, funding poses a challenge to this solution.

The Division of Petroleum and Chemical Safety (DPCS) must process their facility files prior to performing data entry in order to verify that critical information, such as ownership and related matters, are current. In accordance with the finding, the Agency is reassessing the manual processing system for facility files in an attempt to expedite this process. Lack of funds has caused the backlog to accumulate and prevents the acquisition of additional personnel to assign to the problem.

The Agency is working with the Illinois Debt Collection Board concerning the collections and assessment of past due accounts. The Office of the Attorney General will also be contacted regarding this process."

1992: "The Agency accepts this finding. The Agency is taking steps to eliminate the backlog in order that the accounts receivable can be reviewed on a regular basis. The Agency is also investigating means to streamline the audit trail and the process of entering receipts."

1990: "The Agency accepts this finding.

As noted elsewhere, the Agency has previously placed considerable emphasis on public safety and owner identification within the boiler, unfired pressure vessel and underground storage tank program. The underground storage tank program in particular is still a relatively new mandate which the Agency has taken very seriously in terms of protecting the lives of Illinois citizens. Identification of objects and tanks and the determination of ownership and circumstances of use comprise the goals which prompted the processing systems utilized by the Agency at the time of the audit. The fines discussed in the finding are severe, considering that they may be prompted by an owner's initial failure to pay a certification bill as low as $20. Local State's attorneys are often reluctant to pursue such matters against citizens in their districts. The Agency has thus put considerable emphasis on the identification of owners before resorting to the use of such provisions.

The Agency takes this finding seriously and has begun compliance with the items noted in the recommendation. The Agency is currently installing a new software release which will greatly enhance the ease of use in terms of reporting and targeting collection efforts. Exploration of procedures for implementation of penalty provisions has likewise begun."