CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -
A judge decides that
some people who received speeding tickets as a result of Elmwood Place's speed
cameras don't have to pay. The clarification came during an emergency hearing
in Hamilton County court Tuesday morning.
"[Village
officials] can't run those speed meters, they can't issue tickets, they can't
collect any tickets they've already issued or hold any hearings concerning
those tickets. That's my ruling," judge Robert Ruehlman announced to the court.
Judge Robert Ruehlman issued a permanent injunction against the cameras on Thursday.
Ruehlman stated that people who hadn't paid
their tickets yet and those who filed suit through Mike Allen's office would
not have to pay. However, the judge advised those people to hold on to their
paperwork, as his decision could be overturned on appeal.
In court, Judge Ruehlman said that, "The
point of this is to stop it right now," going on to call the cameras
"outrageous conduct" by Elmwood Place.
The judge ruled that those who had paid
tickets that didn't file suit will not be getting their money back at this
time.
The hearing came after appeals were filed
Monday to the judge's March 7th decision.
Elmwood
Place's secretary tells FOX19 the village does have the cash to pay back the
revenue they have made on the citations if they are required to.
So
far she says total village revenue from the citations is $970,000 dollars.
Adding Optotraffic's cut of the profits brings the total revenue to over $1.6
million.
According
to Elmwood Place financial documents obtained by FOX19, the village's adjusted
bank balance just two weeks ago was over $1.2 million which is roughly three
times the balance the last two years during the same time frame.
Recent
village expenses requested by FOX19 do not show how that money specifically is
being spent since it ends up in the general fund, but so far officials say
there have not been any votes by village council to spend the speed camera
monies.
FOX19
reached out to village officials Tuesday but the mayor, police chief and
village solicitor all denied comment Tuesday.
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