DeKalb The state recently passed laws related to possession of small amounts of marijuana and now the DeKalb City Council will look at local ordinances to possibly make changes in fines.
The issue is scheduled to be one of two points of discussion for aldermen during the City Council committee of the whole meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday. The committee of the whole meeting will be followed by the regular City Council meeting at 6 p.m.
On July 29, the governor signed into law a bill that makes possessing less than 10 grams of cannabis more commonly known as marijuana a civil penalty punishable by a fine of up to $200.
DeKalb currently issues a minimum $350 fine for possession of less than 2.5 grams. The fine is $750 plus other costs if the issue is adjudicated in court.
The new state law would mean the city has to increase the amount of marijuana that qualifies for civil penalties, but the law allows DeKalb to keep its higher fine.
In a memo to aldermen and the mayor, the city staff said they looked at other college towns to come up with recommendations for what DeKalb should charge for marijuana possession violations.
Staff would note that those engaged in activity relating to cannabis are often also engaged in other criminal activity of various severity and significance, the memo said. Further, while possession of small amounts of cannabis has been decriminalized, those who sell cannabis tend to possess and transport larger amounts. Those larger amounts represent more serious crimes (under the Cannabis Control Act), and also have significantly greater value. In turn, these incidents tend to encourage the presence of firearms and attract more serious crimes.
Aldermen are scheduled to review and discuss those suggestions Monday.
The regular City Council meeting will follow that one, with aldermen expected to approve continuing with Voluntary Action Center as the citys public transit provider. The renewable agreement would start out as a one-year deal, with options to go for up to three years.
Also, on the regular meeting agenda, the DeKalb Police Department is expected to recognize four officers promotions and hand out other department awards.
Both the committee of the whole and regular City Council meetings will be in council chambers at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St., in DeKalb.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: DeKalb City Council To Review Marijuana Penalties
Author: Rhonda Gillespie
Contact: 815-756-4841
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Website: Daily Chronicle
