(Story by Beaver County Radio News Corespondent Curtis Walsh)

Chippewa Township council discussed a proposed ordinance to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during their monthly meeting last night. The proposed Ordinance 261 would cause people caught in possession of smaller quantities of marijuana or paraphernalia to be fined rather than charged with a misdemeanor offense. Chippewa Township police chief, Eric Hermick, spoke about the ordinance stating that  the usual routine of marijuana possession cases result in misdemeanor charges, that are later dropped to summary offenses, such as disorderly conduct, and the department only receives about $25 after all is done. Police officers are often paid overtime for attending court hearings which are an unnecessary cost that could be eliminated by the ordinance. Hermick also commented on the effect minor marijuana charges can have on young adults, stating that 18 year olds are charged with a criminal misdemeanor, pleaded down to a summary offense, and have to go through a costly process to get the criminal charge expunged from their records. Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier is also reportedly supportive of the ordinance. Ordinance 261 would make Chippewa Township the first second class township in the state to decriminalize marijuana. Audio of the discussion can be heard below.