For those who owe court fines in Winona, Chief Tommy Bibbs has a deal for you.
Beginning February 1, 2018, those owing outstanding court fines and make the incentive to pay those fines without police promoting will receive “amnesty,” Bibbs said.
“If you owe the city an old fine, and if you come in on your own and pay the fine, we will not charge you the $250 contempt of court fine,” Bibbs said.
Bibbs said in an effort to recover $1.3 million in old court fines owed to the city, Winona City Judges Alan D. Lancaster and Donald Bond agreed to waive the additional fine in this first-time program.
“This will save you $250 and jail time,” Bibbs said.
In recent months, the Winona Police Department has been cracking down on those who owe outstanding fines – some Bibbs said adding up to thousands. He said he knows of one person who owes an upward of $10,000 in old court fines.
“We are giving you an opportunity to do this on your own, but if we see you out there, you will be arrested,” Bibbs said. “A fine isn’t going away not matter how long it has been.”
Bibbs said those owing court fines can call the police department at 283-1140 to inquire about a balance or can visit the police department just west of Highway 51 on Summit Street from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We are willing to work with you if you are trying to do the right thing,” Bibbs said. “And if you are not willing to do the right thing, we will definitely work with you.”
