Manuta, Utah receives almost 40 percent of the money in its general fund from speeding ticket fines. (Google Maps)
MANTUA, Utah — A small town in northern Utah generates almost 40 percent of the money in its general fund from speeding ticket fines.
KUTV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1nRVmET ) that the Utah State Auditor found Mantua draws 39 percent of its general fund from speeding ticket fines, the highest percentage in the entire state. Willard in Box Elder County is second with 16 percent, and Wellsville is third at 15 percent.
Mantua Mayor Mike Johnson, who is also the town's police chief, says the speeding ticket revenue helps keep property taxes exceptionally low, relative to the rest of the state.
Complaints from constituents and an investigation last year by 2News prompted Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, to propose a 25 percent cap to the amount of revenue a town or city can college from speeding tickets.