STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The Stevens Point City Council has officially put an end to a proposal that would lower fines for possession of marijuana from $187 to just $67.30.
The city currently pockets $100 for each fine. Had the proposal gone through that would have gone down to just $5. Portage County District Attorney Louis J. Molepske Jr. pointed out just how far that would have compared to other fines. “This would make it less of an offense than to skateboard downtown, where you allow 5 days in jail and a $25 [fine]. Littering [could get you] 60 days in jail.” During his public input Molepske added that if the adjustment is something the city would like to move forward with in the future they should first consult the Portage County Justice Coalition to understand how it would fully affect them.
The remainder of the 9 minute long public input was split, with some saying the proposal would do little to keep kids from experimenting with the drug. Those who supported the change said it would be a step in the right direction since harder drugs like cocaine or heroin are a much bigger threat.
Alderperson Mary McComb, the sponsor of the proposal, was the one who moved that the council take no action on the measure. She said through her research it became clear that it would cause too many complications. Additionally she had hoped it would build momentum towards the legalizing the drug statewide, however she now feels that’s best done at the state house and not city hall.
Some of those complications would have included how different law enforcement agencies handle pot offenses. There was also the possibility that a second offense could trigger felony charges.
The proposal was voted down in committee back in December. The full council tabled the measure later that month. Monday’s vote was 10-0 in favor of taking no action.
credit:wifc.com