Law breakers in Gillett will pay a higher price for their crimes after Jan. 1.
The City Council on Thursday agreed to double the fees for drug-related ordinances, increasing the municipal deposit from $250 to $500. With the addition of court costs, jail fees and crime lab charges, offenders will pay $691; the current charge is $366.
Police Chief Jess Keplinger said he is hopeful the increase will serve as a deterrent.
“Compared to other departments, (our fee) was low. It was time for an update,” he said.
Five of Gillett’s municipal violations are covered by the new fee: possession and use of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, administering dangerous or stupefying drug, abuser of hazardous substance, and possession, distribution or delivery of nitrous oxide.
The City Council unanimously approved the increase with no discussion.
The council also also adopted higher municipal court fees, effective Jan. 1. Fees increased from $28 to $38 following the passage of Wisconsin Act 53, which allowed municipalities to collect not less than $15 and not more than $38 for court fees. Of the $38, $33 will remain with the city of Gillett and $5 will be paid to the state.
The Police Department issues 30 to 40 tickets each month, according to Leone Christensen, deputy clerk/treasurer.
At last month’s budget hearing, Mayor Irene Drake said officials planned to raise court fees in an effort to increase revenue for the city.
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