City to Consider Lowering Fines for Pot
City Times Staff
City leaders on Monday will consider lowering the fee associated with possession of marijuana.
The city’s Public Protection Committee will discuss lowering the fine from $300 to $100. Mayor Mike Wiza said the request came from a constituent of Alderwoman Mary Kneebone’s district.
If approved, it will be the most recent step in reducing the repercussion of possessing of less than five grams of marijuana. The city last year agreed to decriminalize that amount or less of marijuana, making it only a citable offense.
Interim Police Chief Marty Skibba on Wednesday said the discuss would focus on the fine amount, but he wanted the final decision to remain consistent with surrounding municipalities.
City Attorney Beveridge said if the change is approved and the defendant is found guilty, the fee plus court costs would total $187; a drastic decrease to the current fine plus court costs of $439.