The city offers ways to exercise fiscal responsibility

A half-off discount on warrants?

Tough economic times plague the courts, too.

North Las Vegas Municipal Court is among one of several businesses in the city offering residents a chance to save money in this economy through a 50 percent discount on total fines for qualifying cases through April 30.

Just in time for tax season.

Since the program began Feb. 1, the court has closed thousands of traffic, petty larceny and DUI cases generating at least $760,000 in revenue for the financially strapped city.

North Las Vegas city officials are grappling with a $25 million budget gap. All fines charged go into the city's general fund. The state gets a portion of the fees assessed on those fines.

Debbie Miller, court administrator, said the goal is to retrieve $1 million in fines for the city.

"People are trying to gather it up and be done with it, so they don't have to worry about old warrants anymore," Miller said. "We're hopeful we can reach our goal. It helps us and them. It helps the city right now."

And it's about money, Miller added.

"Money and revenue is important, but it's also about case compliance," she said. "The judge issues an order. Once the case is adjudicated, they have an obligation to the court to comply with the judicial order. By paying, it's part of that judicial order."

Some cases that people are still paying on are seven years old. The program aims to bring in revenue, but Miller said it also helps clear out a room full of old warrants and close stale cases. The majority are old traffic cases.

The discount is offered to people with outstanding fines before Feb. 1, 2011.

"Call to see if you qualify," Miller said. "We're working with people and trying to get them back on track. People call who have moved out of state, and we've tried going back through some of our warrants to mail out notices to some older cases."

In order to find out more information about the program and who is eligible for the discount, call 633-2929. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Alternatives

Looking for other ways to save? You don't have to pay $12 to see a movie.

The West Wind Las Vegas 5 Drive In, 4150 W. Carey Ave., offers double features and a $6.25 general admission. Kids 5-11 are admitted for $1, and children younger than 5 are free. Tuesday is Family Fun Night, and admission is $4.25. The drive-in is open rain or shine and offers free refills on popcorn. For more information, call 646-3565.

If you're bold, bring your own pizza.

Don't dig too deep in those pockets for fun entertainment. Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane, offers the free acoustic show "Strung Out Sessions." There is no cover charge for the three-hour concert that runs from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturdays.

At the Cannery, 2121 E. Craig Road, Peace Frog's tribute to The Doors is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $5 at the door. Mopars At The Strip and Saucy Jacks play a free show 6 p.m. April 8.

For those looking to save money amid increasing gas prices, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada offers a specialized transit service that provides a continuous neighborhood loop in North Las Vegas.

The Silver Star, which is geared toward seniors, operates 9 a.m. to
4:16 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays only. There is no holiday service. All vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, but this bus does not accommodate bicycles. It is partially funded by the state's Aging and Disability Services Division. All-day and monthly passes are accepted. There is a 50-cent donation suggested.

For more information, call 228-7433 or visit rtcsouthernevada.com.

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.