Town code violators can pre-pay

The Sparta Town Council last week voted to set $25 as the fine for misdemeanor violations of town ordinances for those who choose to plead guilty and waive their court appearance.

Such violations are transgressions specifically of town regulations not covered by county or state law. Town Manager Tom Douglas said they include offenses such as spinning tires/leaving skid marks on the road, driving on the sidewalk and driving on a fire hose.

The town ordinance calls for a fine of up to $50, or imprisonment for up to 30 days, for those found guilty of such misdemeanors. Council's action at its Dec. 4 meeting added the provision for those charged who opt to pay the fine without a court appearance.

Town Attorney William A. (Bill) Graham said in either case, those who plead guilty or are found guilty must also pay the court cost, which is now about $90. He said he has seen that charge rise from $9 in just over 30 years.

"We (the town) don't have any control over court costs," said Graham. "It's a legislative function."

Douglas said the guilty plea/payoff provision was requested by the local magistrate's office.

Graham later explained that a seat belt violation normally nets a $25 fine but no court costs. He termed the seat belt statute a unique situation in the law, which provides for a civil penalty but not a criminal fine.

Exhibitor License Fees

In other business, council voted to rescind the $20 privilege license fee charged to exhibitors whose wares are sold at businesses such as Ole Timey's General Store.

Douglas explained that at the former Blue Ridge Plaza, the town charged owner Mike Atwood a $50 per year license fee, while each exhibitor who brought in goods to be sold there was charged $20.

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