The issue of whether the city should impose a minimum fine for the crime of first-time marijuana possession will smolder a little longer.

Commissioners on Tuesday could not reach agreement on a proposal that would charge a $300 minimum fine for people convicted in Municipal Court of first-time marijuana possession.

Instead, commissioners said they wanted to study an idea brought up by Kim Richter, researcher of substance abuse treatments at the Kansas University Medical Center. Richter urged commissioners to make each offender take a court-ordered evaluation to determine whether the offender has a dependency problem. Those found to have a dependency problem would be ordered to receive more treatment.

In Douglas County, the evaluation would cost about $100. Commissioners said they wanted to learn more about the evaluation program.

But it was still unclear whether a majority of commissioners would be able to reach an agreement on a minimum fine. City Commissioner Sue Hack said she would give the judge authority to deduct $100 from the $300 fine for people who completed the evaluation. But Mayor Boog Highberger said he believed there was “no justification” for a fine that high. All commissioners did express support for allowing the judge to deviate from the minimum fine if the judge found “substantial and compelling reasons.”

Currently all marijuana cases are prosecuted in Douglas County District Court.