A meeting with representatives of the local office of Middle Georgia Probation Services was the result of Monday’s administrative briefing.

City of Americus Municipal Court Judge Michael Greene was at the briefing to discuss Middle Georgia Probation, and problems that have been brought to members of the Council, regarding the probation service.

Greene began by saying that he felt the issue was the fees charged by Middle Georgia Probation. He explained that the organization charged a $40 probation fee and $7 for a tax to the state. City CAO Charlotte Cotton explained that the City’s contract with Middle Georgia Probation requires the company to report the fines collected and cases to the City each month.

Greene said that according to the contract, the probation service has to provide assistance for those who can’t afford to pay their fines. However, the clients would still need to do any community service the court dictates, but the probation service can negotiate the type of service, according to the contract.

“The people ... are the poorest people,” said Councilmember Eddie Rhea Walker. She was the first to come to the aid of those citizens who had complained that “this group we’ve hired, they’re getting the money, but they are not providing the services they are required to.”

“I’m not against paying fines,” Walker said. “This is ridiculous,” she added.

Cotton also explained that there are “taxes” that are added onto the probation fines. Greene said these were called surcharges and they go to funds for spinal injuries, the Peace Officers’ Retirement Fund and the Library Fund.

Greene and Cotton came to Middle Georgia Probation’s defense, claiming the company is doing what it should be doing.

“We need to talk to those who have been violated,” said Councilmember Lorenzo Johnson. “I don’t think the problem is the money ... we need to monitor the monitor.”

“We need to know specific complaints,” Cotton said. “Until we know them, we can’t investigate them.”

After more discussion, the Council agreed to have a meeting with representatives from the local Middle Georgia Probation, as well as talk with the disgruntled clients.

The Americus-based Prison & Jail Project has been protesting Middle Georgia Probation’s practices for several months.