HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance September 3 1991WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
September 3, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N.
Forest Street, by acting Committee Chairman Bob Imhof.
Also Present: Absent:
Marge Laidlaw Mary Vanderpol
2. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A RATE OF CREDIT FOR DEFENDANTS
SERVING TIME OR PERFORMING LABOR TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF FINES
AND COSTS OWED (AB91 -310) 22 -29
Topics Discussed: Origins of the ordinance; crowded condition of the jail; sentencing
guidelines, jail impact study, sentencing options committee at state level; appropriateness
of local jurisdictions taking action on such matters; the ordinance refers to failure to pay
fines, not sentenced time; whether the ordinance is too broad; possible need for evidence
that this system would work for judges and other parties involved ( Laidlaw said she would
forward specific concerns to Mount); ordinance would set a standard rate for credit if it
were applied; the ordinance's review by the local Jail Standards Committee; situations
during which fines may be imposed and could be expected to be collected; whether allowing
the ordinance treads on the toes of the judiciary; how the dollar amounts were set; whether
work is available for all who want it, and the union's reaction.
Persons Speaking: Sheriff Larry Mount, Laidlaw, Superior Court Clerk N.F. Jackson,
Imhof.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE ORDINANCE REMAIN IN
COMMITTEE PENDING FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF ISSUES INVOLVED
(LAIDLAW WILL CONTACT MOUNT). It was noted that the hearing would be opened
and comments taken at the Council meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. RESOLUTION SETTING A HEARING ON THE PROPOSED SYSTEM 4:23
OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DEMING DHUNG DISTRICT (AB91 -020B) 49 -50
There was no discussion.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION.
Motion carried unanimously.
Finance Committee Minutes, 9/3/91, Page 1
3. OTHER BUSINESS
There was no discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m.
ATTEST:
L==' X2'-I
Ramona Reeves, Clerk of the Council
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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Rob rt imhof, Member
Finance Committee Minutes, 9/3/91, Page 2