Town court to raise base civil traffic fine by $50; court staff outline filings and facility contributions

Judge Hazel introduced the town court budget presentation and Court Administrator Denise Alvarez described the court's accomplishments and proposed changes. Alvarez said the court accepted nearly 16,000 filings to date and that court staff contributed $200,000 of court funds toward court facility improvements, including the remodel and a new holding/hospitality area.

Alvarez also told council the court proposes increasing the base fine for civil traffic violations by $50: "So we are increasing our base fine by $50 per violation... If you get a speeding ticket, it's gonna go up $50." She said the increase is the first adjustment in five years and brings the town closer to neighboring municipalities, but that most of the ticket amount continues to flow to the state. Alvarez added that implementing a credit-card surcharge requires a town-code amendment that staff will bring forward.

Council asked whether the fine increase would be publicized; Alvarez said the change will be reflected on the citation paperwork and bond cards rather than via a press release. Council also asked about personnel and O&M reductions; Alvarez explained an internal contract position is ending (which lowers O&M) and that a new deputy coordinator (a permanent hire) absorbed duties previously covered by a contract position.

Council did not vote on court fees or code changes during the study session; staff said changes will come back to council for ordinance or code amendments where required.