DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg explains the fines and fees cannot be increased without reason so a study is being done to find out if they are necessary and if so, how much of an increase should there be. The study is including the Sheriff's office and animal control.

 

 

The analysis of the animal shelter has been questioned and according to Newberg, it is two-fold. One, the department now has a new facility and two, there is a good chance an agreement is reached with Piatt County for animal control services.

 

 

The costs of security fees at the Courthouse will also be a part of the analysis. Newberg indicates the fees are part of any citations citizens are hit with that come up on their list of fines and fees.

 

 

Some question the validity of the cost of the analysis but Newberg feels anything that comes from the findings and any occuring increases will more than pay for the cost of the analysis.

 

 

Newberg also points out the cost studies done together all at once actually saved the County money as opposed to having them done at separate times across a number of years.