Eau Claire (WQOW) – Possessing marijuana could soon cost you just $1 if you are caught with it in Eau Claire.

Eau Claire City Council President Andrew Werthmann is proposing legislation to make a fine just $1 for “minor marijuana possession.”

Here is Eau Claire statute 9.37 related to possession of marijuana.

9.37.010 Possession. Pursuant to the provisions of s. 66.0107(1)(bm), Wis. Stats, as amended

from time to time, the possession of 25 grams or less of marijuana, as defined in s. 961.01(14), Wis. Stats,

and subject to the exceptions in the introduction of s. 961.41(3g), is prohibited and shall be punishable as a

violation of this chapter, except that any person charged with possession of more than 25 grams of marijuana,

or who is previously or currently charged with possession of any amount of marijuana in the state of

Wisconsin, shall not be charged under this paragraph. (Ord. 6303, 2002).

9.37.020 Penalties. Any adult person violating this ordinance shall be subject to a forfeiture of not

less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, exclusive of costs, and upon

He said voters spoke loud and clear on the topic of marijuana on election day. On the ballot, 54 percent of Eau Claire County voters said they want marijuana legalized for all users, 31 percent want it legal for medical purposed only while 15 percent want to keep marijuana illegal.

Werthmann said while the city cannot legalize the drug on the local level, under his proposal the first offense would be a non-criminal charge of $1. He said current law charges people up to $500 for a first-time offense and 30 days in jail for failing to pay.

The Eau Claire City Council will review this proposal on November 27.