Those with outstanding fines in Greenwood have a limited-time opportunity to pay them off without incurring additional penalties, provided they come forward now.
The city’s amnesty program runs through the end of the month.
Acting Police Chief Ray Moore said some offenders, who previously worked out repayment plans with the Municipal Court, have failed to live up to the terms. Others have simply brushed off fines owed to the city.
“We realize that 2013 was a rough year for a lot of folks. They need to start taking care of their business,” Moore said.
In past years, the amnesty program has been extremely successful, said Mayor Carolyn McAdams.
“We had on the books people owing $3 million. It’s less than a million now.”
About 40 to 45 percent of back fines collected is kept by the city, with the rest going to the state, McAdams said.
Moore said that offenders who cannot afford to pay off their fines in full can work out a repayment plan with the staff of the Municipal Court. These arrangements, he emphasized, need to be made in person, not by telephone.
Even while the amnesty program is in place, Moore said, the Police Department will continue with its regular roundup of those with outstanding fines.
“Come on in and let’s make arrangements,” he said.
“It saves them a lot of trouble. It saves us a lot of trouble, too.”
