By David Fleet
Editor
Atlas Twp.- Drinking and driving is now a little more costly in the township. The township board of trustees voted 4-1 Tuesday night to charge $10 per preliminary breath test (PBT) administered by Genesee County Sheriff Deputies at the township offices. The PBT is a small alcohol sensor used by having the suspect blow into a mouthpiece to establish his or her blood alcohol content.
Trustee Scott Statson voted no, suggesting a cost of $50 be charged.
The tests, required by the courts to determine alcohol use by some suspects, were free at the township prior to the decision. The new cost consideration was recommended by the sheriff’s department.
Supervisor Shirley Kautman-Jones reported that neighboring communities charge for the service. Grand Blanc Township, the Genesee County Jail and the City of Grand Blanc all charge $10 per test. Davison Township charges $5 for the service.
The PBT results are then used to substantiate the officer’s opinion that the driver was impaired or intoxicated.
‘Those requiring PBT were coming to the township office for a test because it was free,? she said.