WEST SILOAM SPRINGS, Okla. — West Siloam Springs, Okla., collected almost three times more money from police fines than nearby municipalities combined, according to financial data from July through December.
The town collected $454,062 from July 1 through Dec. 31. That is more money than Siloam Springs, Kansas, Okla., and Colcord, Okla., received in fines in that same time. The combined total from those towns was $171,190.
Court Clerk Toni Gifford of West Siloam Springs said the majority of the money collected comes from traffic stops.
BY THE NUMBERS
Population Figures*
Siloam Springs 10,843
West Siloam Springs 877
Kansas 685
Colcord 4,711
*2000 Census figures
Source: Staff Report
"It goes back to the Police Department," Gifford said.
West Siloam Springs Police Chief Larry Barnett recently said officers don't pull over speeders unless they go more than 10 mph over the speed limit.
Mayor Elaine Carr said those who go to court on a traffic violation can pay half of their fine at the first appearance and the other half at the second appearance. Or they can pay it all in advance.
Money from fines pays for expenses of the Police Department, such as insurance, car payments and equipment, Gifford said.
West Siloam Springs has 12 police cars and 12 officers, two of whom are unpaid.
Pat Upton, Colcord town clerk, said the town collected $10,613 in fines between July 1 and Dec. 31.
The town has a police chief, an officer and two police cars.
Revenue from fines goes to the town's general fund.
"Any ticket revenue can be used for anything we need," Upton said.
Kansas collected $50,027 in police fines between July 1 and Dec. 31.
The town uses the money collected from fines for such things as parks, utilities, training, salaries, maintenance and fees.
Kansas has four paid officers, six unpaid officers and 10 police cars.
Siloam Springs collected $110,550 in fines from July 1 to Dec. 31 according to city records.
The money goes to offset the expenses and costs of the Police Department, said Paul Calloway, city finance director.
The Siloam Springs Police Department has 32 officers and 35 vehicles, said Brenda Balk, public information officer.