City Council to Eye Hike in Fines, Fees

The price of a speeding ticket in Cartersville could nearly double if the city council approves a measure set for a first reading during tonight's business meeting at 7.

The ordinance amendment would adjust the fines associated with violations prosecuted in and add administrative and technology fees and state surcharges, allowing the city to keep more of the revenue, officials said in a summary.

The cost for violations across the board—from a $15 or $25 ticket for no seat belt to a $1,000 fine for shoplifting—would increase from less than 50 to nearly 150 percent.

Currently, the city keeps about 63 percent of the money it collects through fines and fees. With the proposed change, it could be 70 or 80 percent.

"The current fine and fee structure has not been addressed in many years, and Judge [Harry] White stated that the current fines and fees are lower than the surrounding municipalities," the summary says.

A proposed $20 administrative fee would offset the costs of a new court clerk and a $28 fee for technology would fund software and security upgrades.

Five of the city's numerous violations, all of which are included in the attached agenda, and their proposed increases are:

The council cancelled tonight's work session at 6 due to a short agenda. It's set to meet at 7 p.m. on the third floor of .