There was wide opinion among Peoria City Council members Tues., regarding penalties for possession of marijuana.
City staff recommended anyone caught with less than 10 grams of pot should face an administrative hearing officer rather than going to court. Some council members weren’t comfortable sending an additional workload to the hearing officer.
Councilwoman Denise Moore suggested the hearing process would be more acceptable than going to court, but she wanted lower fines.
"For possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis, not less than $125, and if it’s going to the administrative hearing officer, there is no administrative cost for the first offense. For the second offense, perhaps we could double that, then it’s $250 for the second offense."
The council approved Moore’s motion, with a third offense costing $500 and a fourth offense set at $750.