(SIOUX CITY, IA) Getting caught by a red light camera can cost you a pretty penny.Now those pennies may be heading out of town.
Instead of staying at home, Iowa State Representative Walt Rogers thinks the money generated by those fines should be used to rebuild roads across the state.
But, that decision could also mean higher property taxes for you.
Feelings toward red light cameras can be a bit mixed.
"I don't mind them, because I stop," says Bill Brower, a Sioux City Resident.
"Hate them," says Peggy Schmitz, a Sioux City Resident.
"I love them. I think they are the best thing in the world, because people don't stop for red lights, they do not stop for stop signs, and if you T-bone somebody, you're going to kill them," says Bill Danker.
And even those who aren't particularly fond of them, say they are effective.
"They catch people that go through red lights and yellow lights, speeders," says Schmitz.
And Iowa Representative Walt Rogers is among the haters.
"Most people who say, yea I'm O. K. with them still hate them," says Rogers. "They still don't like the fact that they're there."
But Sioux City Officials say the cameras make people better drivers.
"Nobody wants to suffer consequences of making a mistake or intentionally doing something, but all we are asking the public to do is exactly what you've been told to do since you took your driving test. When the light turns yellow, prepare to stop," says Mel Williams, a Captain for the Sioux City Police Department.
This fiscal year those red light cameras are projected to add $1.3 million to the city's budget, which in return is spent on city projects.
But, Rogers wants to see those profits go to the state to rebuild roads.
If the state got money from these red light cameras instead of the city, you could be footing the bill for city projects the red light cameras would normally pay for.
"People aren't out, throwing lavish parties for the city's staff, that's not what the money is being used for," says Williams.
Last year, the city spent that money on public safety, road maintenance, and other repairs at the Police and fire departments.
And folks around here say, that's where the money should stay.
"For the state to come in, and want to take it just for extra revenue for the state, I don't believe that's right," says Brower.
"I kinda think, the City should keep it. They're ones that know their problems, and they need the money too," says Danker.
"As a tax payer here in Sioux City, I think the money should stay here," says Schmitz.
The Bill has passed through a house subcommittee, but now must make it through the state senate and house.
Hleigh@siouxlandnews.com
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