Wednesday, November 28, 2012

BOS turns down a resolution to fund program through vehicle infraction fees

The Board of Supervisors did not pass a resolution that would add a fee of $5.00 to all vehicle infractions with the funds raised going to the Sheriff Dept program promoting cell phone carrying drivers to report other drivers on the road driving erratically.  Macedo stated "it would apply to anything other than a fix-it ticket."

The program has been up and running for the past few years and has been privately funded by a concerned citizen, Mr Sheldon Bissel. Captain Macedo thanked Mr Bissel for his perseverance in making this program a reality and helping to find potential creative ways to fund it for the future.


Spellman stated that Bissel "had made a valiant effort in procuring funding for this program." A program he states he wholeheartedly supports however he questioned "penalizing" all vehicle infractions when he felt those caught driving drunk should carry the financial burden.

Tryon questioned the civil liberties and consequences of "programs like this." Saying he voted against it before based on "the bounty hunter" mentality of the program.

Wilensky stated "this program has existed - this program actually has made a big impact in this county. It diminished when resources" diminished. "It reduces the number of accidents and the behavior, when the word gets out that not only patrol cars are" watching, it reduces the possible number of incidents. Though he stated knowing that Spellman and Tryon would not support the resolution it would not pass and removed the motion. Item died for lack of motion.