Court cost on citiations will increase in August

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Beginning in August, ticketed drivers and misdemeanor defendants will see an increase of court cost because state and local increases.
Russellville Court Clerk LaDonna Hitt said the state increased their charges by $10 per case, and a Solicitor's fee of $16 per case to be used by the Franklin County District Attorney's Office.
District Attorney Joey Rushing said the solicitor's fee was passed to offset the loss the check unit is taking because of the changes is the way businesses collect their checks.
"This was passed two years ago, and it was passed again this year," Rushing said. "About half the counties have this charge to help bring money into their district attorney's offices."
Rushing said while his budget is dictated by the state, his office is responsible for getting some of their budget locally. This is another way to do that besides the check unit.
Hitt said the new additions to the charges increased traffic court cost from $103 to $129, and misdemeanor cases from $176 to $192
The Russellville City Council approved the new increases during their regular council meeting Monday morning.
In other business, the council voted to: