The Jefferson City Council has approved an increase to a majority of minimum fines within the municipal court.
At the City Council meeting Monday, the council unanimously approved a bill to increase most fines by about 3 percent, which was done at the request of City Prosecutor Brian Stumpe. The only fines not increased in the proposed bill are those related to parking. In a previous meeting, Stumpe had said many of the city's fines are not high enough to recoup expenses by the city for enforcement and the increase would help make the fines more in line with other area communities.
City attorney Drew Hilpert has said the fee increases could bring in additional funds to general revenue, but there's no exact calculation as to how much may be brought in.
In other business, a bill was introduced Monday that would authorize a contract with J.C. Industries for a sidewalk project on Ellis Boulevard. The contract, which is for $279,746, would construct a walkway from the existing sidewalk at the roundabout at Tanner Bridge Road to U.S. 54, covering the 300 through 600 blocks of Ellis Boulevard.
Matt Morasch, interim public works director, said the sidewalks would be constructed only on one side of the street and the project would be paid for from capital improvement sales tax funds.
The project also would address several storm water complaint issues and make improvements to the bus stop near the YMCA.