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a001i 98 p4q 978 <br />agricultural community where kids come home to tasks and work in <br />fields in the summertime. He felt that funding should not come <br />from the national government but preferred that control remain on <br />a local level. <br />Anthony Masi, 1700 Ocean Drive, also strongly supported the <br />ordinance and suggested that the Commissioners consider putting the <br />Teen Court in the old courthouse building as a tribute to Judge <br />Vocelle's father. <br />The Chairman asked if there were any others wishing to be <br />heard in this matter. There being none, she closed the public <br />hearing. <br />Commissioner Bird commented that he was still a little <br />uncomfortable with the funding source but felt it is an excellent <br />program and something we should initiate. He hoped that in time <br />more appropriate funding sources would be found. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Bird, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Eggert, that the Board adopt Ordinance <br />96-19 to provide funding for the Indian River County <br />Teen Court through additional mandatory assessment <br />of fines against every person convicted or has had <br />an adjudication withheld for a violation of a <br />criminal statute, certain traffic offenses, a <br />handicapped parking violation, or a violation of <br />certain municipal or county ordinance. <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Macht felt that this is a very <br />good idea but the funding source is a real injustice. Traffic <br />violations are infractions, not crimes. He believed that fining a <br />person who has not committed a crime to pay for a person who has <br />committed a crime is not fair. As a citizen and taxpayer he would <br />rather be taxed than commit such an injustice. He could not <br />support the funding but would support a tax. He hoped the other <br />Commissioners would not vote in favor of this ordinance. <br />Commissioner Eggert stated that she had checked with County <br />Attorney Vitunac and had been assured that the Board could pass <br />this ordinance at this time and revisit it prior to next year's <br />budget, when the funding source could be changed. <br />Commissioner Tippin commented that ours is an imperfect system <br />in which we also subsidize certain 'critters'. <br />SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 22 <br />