On Monday night, the Jacksonville City Council voted to approve changing the fines offenders would receive.
Originally, the ordinance listed the first offense punishment as a fine of no more than $50, a second violation within a year as a $100 fine, and the third violation allowing for a $500 fine. The new changes would make the fines $25, $50 and $75, respectfully.
According to Mayor Johnny Smith, the changes stem from talks with Jacksonville's Police Chief Tommy Thompson.
"Comparing it to some other fines for similar offense around the area, Chief Thompson felt that the new fines are a little more reasonable," said Smith. "Offenders will still have to pay another $100, $125 in court costs on top of that. We may want to come back and tweak it later."
The ordinance will still go into effect March 1.
In other action, the city council:
• Approved the purchase of an integrated financial system for a total cost of $81,344.25. The cost has already been budgeted and will be paid in four installments interest free. CSI Technology Outfitters will be providing support and maintenance under the contract. City workers say that the new easy to use program will make work more efficient.
• Approved JPWP # 116 — City Hall conductor head and downspout replacement to be done by CentiMark Corporation. Plans include the replacement of two conductor heads and twenty linear feet of downspout on the east side of City Hall, at a cost not to exceed $3,000.
• Approved JPWP # 117 — Library Awning Replacement to be done by Eugene L. Evans Mfg. Co., Inc., plans include the replacement of two awnings, at the entrance of the Public Library, at a cost not to exceed $1,250.
• Approved providing a $600 equipment maintenance allowance, with no substantiation report required, for all current Police Officers in the Police Department.
• Appointed Eric Witzberger to the R.S.V.P. Advisory Council.
• Approved the employment of William Bailey and Robert McCary as part-time Firefighter/Paramedic and Stephen Lee Batey as part-time Firefighter/EMT.
The fine schedule the council approved Monday night allows a ticket to be written and the offender can go by the court and plead quilty and pay that fine. If they ask for atrial and are found guilty by the judge the maximum fines can be charged. I just want to make sure that was what had happened.