In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal to significantly reduce the cost of speeding tickets in the county from the current range of $180 to $250 down to a flat fee of $40. This initiative aims to implement a mail-based ticketing system that utilizes advanced speed measuring technology, including a laser device equipped with a video camera.

The proposed system would allow law enforcement deputies to monitor speed in designated areas without the need for high-speed chases, enhancing safety on local highways, particularly on Highway 69 south, which has been identified as a high-risk area due to previous fatal accidents involving semi-trucks. The new method would involve deputies recording the speed of vehicles and capturing video evidence of infractions, which would then be processed back at the office. Tickets would be printed and mailed to vehicle owners, who could either pay online or contest the ticket through an established appeal process.

Importantly, the proposed ordinance stipulates that these tickets would be treated as civil offenses, meaning they would not incur points on the driver's license or affect insurance rates, akin to a parking ticket. If recipients choose not to pay the ticket, it could eventually be sent to collections, but only for the reduced amount of $40.

The proposal, which has garnered interest due to its potential to improve road safety and reduce the financial burden on drivers, is modeled after similar systems already in place in some Colorado towns. If adopted, this ordinance would make the county a pioneer in implementing such a traffic enforcement strategy. The discussion reflects ongoing efforts to balance law enforcement practices with community concerns about the financial implications of traffic violations.