Staff refuses to accept payment
Did you know that there are nearly 200 billion pennies in the United States today? Apparently pennies don’t circulate very well. Most end up in sock drawers and couches making them cost more to mint than they are worth. I am a good member of society and figured I could be twice the citizen and pay off a parking violation while at the same time returning 800 pennies into circulation from my change jar. I received a parking ticket outside my apartment. Upon receiving the ticket, I went into the parking office and filled out an appeal form. I went back a few weeks later, after not receiving a response. Unfortunately my appeal was denied. On Tuesday, I attempted to pay my fine with legal tender made by the United States Treasury. However, the parking office refused to accept my payment! I was informed that I would have to roll the coins. I asked to speak to a USU Police officer about the situation. I explained that I was attempting to fulfill my legal obligation and presented exactly eight dollars in coin. He grew animated and angry, and again refused payment. When asked if he could produce written university policy regarding the acceptance of pennies as currency and he stated that he could not. As I turned to leave, he yelled that I would now have to pay twelve dollars instead of eight. Not only had payment of my fine been refused, it had been increased. I have been able to find no written policy about what form payment of fines must take. I’m not a lawyer, but it seems to me that when a legal fine must be paid, payment must be accepted. It also seems to me that it is not my responsibility to roll currency for the parking department. Meanwhile, billions of pennies remain out of circulation and my parking fines remain unpaid as well. Everyone with unpaid parking fines should pay them. Perhaps everyone could return some pennies into circulation at the same time. -Matt Fisher797-6918