Traffic fines imposed by the Richmond Hill Police Department may be on the rise. RHPD Chief Billy Reynolds is proposing an ordinance in an attempt to add a $5 administrative fee and a $15 technical fee to each ticket.
"This might just serve as another good reason to slow down in Richmond Hill," Mayor Richard Davis said.
City Manager Mike Melton endorsed the ordinance, saying it would help the budget, which has been a challenge in balancing this year.
Reynolds projects the added fees will bring in about $20,000 in revenue per year. He said it would help to offset the high costs of having internet service inside patrol cars.
Reynolds said the average speeding ticket in the city costs $162, but only $98 goes to the department, with the remainder going to the county and state.
The official vote for this ordinance will come after a second reading at the Dec. 16 council meeting.
In other RHPD business, Cpl. Susan Willis presented certificates to members of Boy Scout Troop 486 that helped out with Public Safety Day and the Bike Rodeo as well as the winners of the Red Ribbon Week Essay and Art Contest. The first place winners are included in the 2009 calendar just completed by the Bryan County Drug Free Coalition. The following individuals were recognized:
- Essay contest winners: 1st Place Miranda Bickes, 2nd Place Brian Eichorn, 3rd Place Douglas Sloan.
- Art contest winners: 1st Place Emily Heinlein, 2nd Place, Logan Rooker, 3rd Place Kristen Marshal.
- Appreciation for Public Safety Day volunteers: Christopher George, Thomas Kretschmar, William Perry, James Perry, Matthew Nyberg, Bill Pullin, Billy York, Chris Landry, Ben Hart, Tommy Carlson, Conner Smedley, Chad Carlson (Cub Master Pack 486), Steve George (Assistant Scout Master).
- Appreciation for Bike Rodeo volunteers: Christopher George, Tommy Carlson, Tim Coles, Chad Carlson, Shawn Carlson, Joe Pecenka, Julie Pecenka, Danica Pommerenck, Steve George, Todd Barber, Jason Sandt, Kevin Pflieger.
In other business:
- The three-year contract for the city to bank with Bryan Bank & Trust was renewed for another term.
- Melton announced the amount of money required for deposits for water service with the city will go up in January in order to cover the shortfall on those who default on their final bill. He said this will only affect new customers. Residential deposits will go from $50 to $100 while commercial deposits will go from $100 to $200. Deposits will be waived for seniors and military.