Previously, most moving traffic violations, outside of DUI and reckless driving, were considered civil offenses. This allowed the city to charge late fees for nonpayment and gain civil judgments against nonpayers. Now, however, the city can only threaten to imprison nonpayers, which is an idle threat since jails are too crowded to take such minor criminals, Hoskins said. The result is that fewer people are paying.

"It has no teeth," he said.

While fines and forfeitures are coming up short, the city's overall financial health looks good, Hoskins said. There is a nearly $1 million surplus in license and permit revenue due to an unanticipated construction boom in Salt Lake City, Hoskins reported. Also, sales tax figures, which had been waning recently, appear to be on the rebound. This year's November receipts are $250,000 greater than last year, Hoskins said.

City Council Carlton Christensen wondered if the increased tax revenue was due to the city's new Wal-Mart Supercenter, which opened near 1300 South and 300 West in late summer. Hoskins said he couldn't be sure if the new Wal-Mart or a rebounding economy was the cause.

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com