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Big fine? Work it off in Elgin

Since the year began, Elgin officials have handed out $21,345 in fines for violating the city's animal control ordinance.

So far, the city has collected $6,820, or about a third of what's been levied so far, said the city's Corporation Counsel William Cogley.

Soon, if someone can't pay a fine penalties under the city's stronger animal control ordinance are $1,000 if a dog bites a human or another dog they will be able to work it off through community service at a rate of $10 per hour.

“Being creative is part of my job description here,” said Councilman John Prigge, who suggested the change. “To have that option for us to initiate is crucial.”

Elgin City Council members gave their thumbs up Wednesday to the change and will take a final vote on it Wednesday, Nov. 3.

In June, the city's stronger animal control ordinance went into effect. It mandates $1,000 fines for dogs that bite a person or another dog.

If approved next week, and a person guilty of violating an ordinance demonstrates an inability to pay, he may ask for the option to pay off the fine through community service at a rate of $10 per hour.

Cogley said offenders could have the option of paying part of a fine and working off the rest. He said he did not anticipate the city giving the community service option for $75 fines for speeding, but noted it could be used for violations of the city's car stereo ordinance, which carries a $500 fine.

The community service option would not be available to people previously fined for loose or dangerous dogs or other offenses.

In August, a woman was fined $2,200 for a June 24 incident in which her dogs were ruled to have attacked Mayor Ed Schock, while he was walking his dog.

Councilman David Kaptain said he talked with Prigge about what to do when a large fine is levied.

“That's what got the conversation started. I saw all kinds of issues with that,” Kaptain said. “It just gives us another option.”