ST. IGNATIUS – One city councilman is so outraged by a recent wave of petty crime, he suggested a radical way to cope with offenders.

“Steeper assessed fines for violations along with mandatory community service requiring violators of the laws to wear pink and white jumpsuits throughout our streets would discourage violations of our ordinances,” said council member Roger Lemon at the Aug. 5 meeting. “We would be sending a message to our community that this continued behavior will not be tolerated.”

Other city officials did not agree with Lemon’s proposal.

“Most fines are set by the state and local court systems, the city is extremely limited on its jurisdiction to raise fines and or the punishments associated with such violations,” said City Attorney James Lapotka.

He added that Tribal Court handles a percentage of these issues and governs accordingly.”

Reacting to a recent rash of petty crime, especially bicycle thefts, council member Daren Incashola and part-time Saint Ignatius police officer Martin Logan presented a possible solution that would allow members of the community to register their personal property for a $5 fee.

City officials hope the registration program would assist police in returning lost or stolen property and verify ownership if it should come into question.

“The rate of the registration fee would add revenue to the city,” Lemon said.

The council approved the program and amended the 2014-15 budget to include a $200 expenditure to begin implementation.

Mayor Charlie Gariepy encouraged members of the community to contact their local sheriff’s department when a crime is witnessed and that the council was fully aware that one part-time officer is not sufficient and that additional ordinances regarding loitering, public intoxication and public urination could be reviewed by the city’s attorney.

The city is accepting applications for the Police Chief position and the council expects a decision by the end of August.

Annual budget approved

The city’s 2015 General Fund fiscal budget in the amount of $183,032 was approved with $65,500 portioned for two law enforcement positions for the upcoming year.

Copies of the budget are available at City Hall or by calling LeAnn Gottfried at 745-3791.