(a) Any person who is convicted of a criminal offense, other than a minor misdemeanor, shall reimburse the Village for expenses incurred by reason of the individual's confinement. Such reimbursement shall include expenses incurred during pre-conviction confinement when credit for such confinement is credited against the entire term of imprisonment, along with food, clothing and shelter.
(b) The amount of the reimbursement required by this section shall be determined by the court subsequent to investigation and hearing with regards to whether the person has the ability to pay the reimbursement, as outlined in Ohio R.C. 2929.223.
(c) This section shall not apply to offenders that the court determines to be indigent.
(d) Funds reimbursed to the Village pursuant to this section shall be paid into the General Fund of the Village.
(e) The Director of Law is authorized to institute appropriate proceedings against individuals who are ordered to reimburse the Village for confinement costs. The Director of Law is further authorized to compromise and settle any such claims for reimbursement in any amounts less than the total reimbursement due to the Village, if such settlement is in the best interest of the Village, in the Law Director's discretion.
(f) The Clerk of Council is authorized and directed to certify a copy of this section to the Clerk of Courts of the Bedford Municipal Court. Further, the Mayor is authorized to institute this reimbursement policy within the Village of Bentleyville's Mayor's Court.
(Ord. 1997-10. Passed 4-16-97.)