Decision Science + AI
Transform municipal revenue collection
Data-driven solutions that help cities recover millions while serving residents equitably
WE consult on revenue policies and implement software to fix the problem.
SERVUS collaborates with municipalities to develop and implement data-driven revenue policies that balance fiscal responsibility with community equity. We combine municipal operations understanding with advanced data science to first design evidence-based frameworks with our clients, then deploy our software solutions to implement these policies and deliver measurable fiscal outcomes.
Revenue Optimization
Do you think your city can collect more revenue from fines and fees? SERVUS creates AI-powered software that makes collections fairer and easier to manage. We use analytics to predict which individuals might not pay and offer a personalized payment to incentivize compliance, increasing affordability and boosting on-time payments.
Hear firsthand how the City of Portland, OR is using SERVUS to improve revenue and equity. Watch our recent webinar with the California Municipal Revenue and Tax Association to hear insights as well as a discussion with the Government Finance Officers Association.
Use data, not guesswork TO Boost collections and reducE ADMINISTRATIVE burden on staff
SERVUS leverages advanced analytics and machine learning to understand customer behavior and ability to pay. You can partner with SERVUS to optimize your collections and accomplish your fiscal and equity goals.
Our Partners
The organizations that helped SERVUS turn research into an innovative government platform.
What We’ve Learned
Debt forgiveness can provide much-needed relief, but it's often a temporary fix. Many people end up back in debt because the root causes of their financial struggles haven't been addressed. We need solutions that not only offer immediate relief but also help people build long-term financial stability.
When cities rely on third-party debt collectors, it often hits those struggling the most. These agencies can be aggressive, adding extra fees and stress to those already facing financial hardship. This can create a cycle of debt that's hard to escape.
Payment plans don’t address the root problem of affordability and tend to allow people to accumulate more debt.
Traditional income limits can create a harsh "all or nothing" situation. People barely over the line get no help, even if they're facing hardship. We need a smarter system that considers everyone's unique circumstances.
Policies aimed at revenue tend to have less than desirable outcomes for the government and its constituents.
Many cities are losing millions of dollars because they're not collecting fines and fees effectively. Outdated systems and a lack of data make it hard to know why unpaid bills are piling up, hurting the city's budget and creating unnecessary hardship for residents.
Compliance rates will rise when more people can afford their payments.
Smart and nuanced revenue approaches work much better than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Assumptions about fairness have produced policies that keep low-income residents in debt traps.
SERVUS is using cutting edge technology to tackle the debt crisis in local governments
Improved collections and fairness
Empirical evidence based pricing structures
Keep your existing payments vendors
Minimize delinquency
Easy implementation
No upfront or setup costs
Designed to fit your regulatory framework
Eliminate administrative burdens for staff and customers
“Cities turn to fines and fees as a revenue source, the costs of collections practices … can be very high. In many cases, the cost of collection may exceed revenues from fines and fees due to the high direct costs of collecting debt and the low rate of collection.”
— Obama White House Council of Economic Advisors
FAQs
-
SERVUS helps cities make fines and fees more fair and affordable, so more people can pay them on time. This means the city collects more revenue, and residents avoid falling into debt. It's a win-win for everyone!
-
When people can afford to pay the amount due, they're more likely to do so. If they cannot afford to pay the amount due, they may pay nothing at all. By adjusting the amount due, it helps cities collect the money they need to provide services without creating extra hardship for anyone.
-
SERVUS uses information the city already has to figure out how much each person can afford to pay.
-
With segmented pricing, people who can afford to pay the normal price of their fines and fees will, and those who can't will get the help they need. This means the city collects more money, and fewer people fall into debt.
-
No. SERVUS helps cities prevent people from falling behind on their bills in the first place. We use data to identify who might need help and proactively offer personalized discounts or payment plans to make things more affordable. This leads to more on-time payments and avoids the need for debt collection.
-
It's important to understand that we don't actually charge anyone more than the standard fine or fee. That would be unfair. Instead, we help cities offer discounts to those who truly need them. Think of it like other programs cities already have:
Property taxes: Seniors often get discounts.
Bus fares: The price varies for youth, adults,
and seniors.
Amnesty programs: Cities sometimes reduce
fines for people who couldn't pay them before.
Existing financial assistance: Many cities offer
discounts on utilities or other services for
those in need.
Just like these programs, segmented pricing helps ensure that everyone pays what they can reasonably afford. It's about making the system fairer, not charging some people more.
The key difference with SERVUS is that we use data to make sure the discounts are given out fairly and consistently. This helps cities avoid bias and make the best use of their resources. Ultimately, it's about creating a system where everyone is treated equitably, and no one faces undue financial hardship because of a fine or fee.
Utility Rate Services
-
Determine if you are accomplishing your goals or if your communities are having the proper outcomes.
-
Any consultant can provide you an analysis but we have the expertise to optimize both tiered and fixed rates. We utilize proven leading-edge technologies to measure payment propensity.
-
SERVUS has partnerships with universities and professional organizations to ensure rigorous and evidence-based implementations. We conduct field experiments to validate rates.
-
Our flagship service offers your utility the ability to increase rates while insulating financially challenged ratepayers.