CARBONDALE - A tighter budget forced city administrators to make cut positions and services in a number of areas in this year's budget.

Part of those cutbacks meant decreased street sweeping by the city, and that has one council member concerned about a buildup of litter in the city.

To combat that, Council Member Joel Fritzler said he'd like to see the city adopt tougher fines for litterbugs within city limits. In a letter sent to the city council and City Manager Allen Gill, Fritzler suggested the city adopt the stiffer penalties to deter would-be litterers.

According to the Carbondale Police Department, the current fine in the city is between $50 and $150 depending on the judge and the circumstances.

"I am just wanting people to take responsibility for their own actions and their own trash," Fritzler said, before adding that litter cleanup should not be the city's responsibility. "My main concern is that the city is not putting out the expense to clean the streets as we did. Since we don't have the budget to be cleaning up after people, the place could get looking more littered."

Fritzler's concerns come in the wake of a number of city budget moves including the reassigning of two full time street sweepers to other positions. City Manager Allen Gill said the city is making the adjustment just fine so far.

"I think that's one good example where we are doing less but we are getting by," he said. "We don't really have a regular schedule but we are doing some limited areas and we will do downtown when we have major events. And we'll keep downtown and the major thoroughfares presentable."

Gill said it would be up to the council to determine if the city adopts stiffer fines but Council Member Lance Jack said he'd like to see an alternative pursued.

"Why not have them work it off?" Jack said of possible penalties for litterers. "Get them out helping to better the community while at the same time helping them feel like they are taking part in their community."

Jack said the work option penalty serves the dual purpose of community building and saving on work expenses.

The city council is scheduled to meet next on July 21.

blackwell.thomas@thesouthern.com

618-351-5823