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Mr. Godwin explained that the teens performing community <br />service are charged a $20 fee to cover liability insurance and felt <br />the budget would be roughly $50,000. <br />Jeff Barton, Clerk of Courts, endorsed the project but made an <br />operational request. The Legislature has made about 57 changes to <br />traffic ticket administration and he asked that the $3 fee become <br />effective October 1st, if the program is approved. That would mean <br />that the funds collected would be distributed about November 15th. <br />Mr. Barton also commented that the Legislature had lowered fees for <br />traffic violations. <br />Chairman Adams was not sure Commissioner Bird's question had <br />been answered and wondered whether there is a relationship between <br />adult speeders and Teen Court. <br />Mr. Godwin advised there is no relationship between Teen Court <br />and specific traffic offenses. <br />Commissioner Bird asked at what level the $3 kicks in, and <br />Judge Vaughn explained that the charge applies to reckless driving, <br />careless driving, speeding, and criminal traffic offenses. <br />Chairman Adams thought it was interesting that the increase in <br />the cost of traffic tickets has not deterred speeding. <br />Mr. Barton commented that was part of the theory behind the <br />Legislature lowering the fines so that law enforcement would <br />possibly increase the number of tickets being written. <br />Commissioner Bird said that he was 100% behind the program and <br />felt it should be funded. However, he questioned whether the <br />Legislature had not taken a politically popular stance. He felt <br />the majority of traffic tickets are simply local people in a hurry <br />to get to work who cannot afford the tickets, much less the <br />additional $3 charge. <br />Commissioner Tippin felt that there is no greater priority <br />than helping turn young people around. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Tippin, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Eggert, that the Board approve the <br />preparation of an ordinance and set same for public <br />hearing on September 3, 1996. <br />In response to further questions regarding a budget for the <br />program, Judge Vaughn stated that a proposed budget will be <br />submitted at the public hearing. <br />Commissioner Eggert wanted to know whether the teens are asked <br />to bear any financial responsibility, and Judge Vaughn responded <br />Boa 98 f,t,jt <br />AUGUST 13, 1996 37 <br />