(RALEIGH) -- The state court system fails to collect millions of dollars in fines, fees and restitution, according to a new state audit.  State Auditor Beth Wood said Judge John W. Smith, Director of the state's Administrative Office of the Courts, disagrees with the audit.

"He didn't even know the percentage of his collection rate until the State Auditor's Office went in and calculated it for him.  He used the term, 'impressive rate' and I find that interesting that he though his rate was impressive and he didn't even know what it was before we did this audit," said Wood.

Smith said in a letter to auditors that they "should have complimented the Judicial Department instead of criticizing us with unrealistic and unattainable expectations."

Among the recommendations in the report are that the Judicial Department assess and revise its business procedures and controls, that the department upgrade its computer systems and that the Judicial System explore available collection techniques, such as collection contracts with third parties, intercepting tax refunds and assessing collection fees. The report concluded  that antiquated computers and administrative processes are part of the problem.