KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsSC mayor introducing ordinance to bring camera fines down

SC mayor introducing ordinance to bring camera fines down

Whether or not the cameras are banned at the state level, red light revenue in Sioux City has the potential to be cut considerably by local leaders.

On Feb. 8, Mayor Bob Scott will introduce an ordinance that brings the fine down from a state high of $185 to $100.

Scott says the city is already relying to heavily on the revenue, making it about the money when it should be about safety.

The city's proposed budget for the next year takes the reduction into account.

Current legislation would kill both red light and speed cameras.

But, Scott says he's a strong supporter of using cameras on the interstate during construction. 

"I'm 100-percent for those, and legislators can argue all they want, but it is about safety. When you put construction workers, and people don't adhere to 55-miles per hour, you put their lives at risk. For me, somebody speeding through a construction zone should get a ticket," said Mayor Bob Scott.

A half-million dollars in speed-camera revenue has been earmarked to finish fire station number four on Hamilton Boulevard.

A new $18-million dollar operations building would rely heavily on those camera funds.

If Iowa lawmakers pass the ban, the facility might be put on the back burner.

"It probably, for some of us, you know I've been a little luke warm on that facility to begin with, and that makes me even more luke warm on that particular facility," said Scott.

Red light camera revenue fills in the gap for the road maintenance budget, public safety costs  and neighborhood traffic safety enhancements as well.