Thompson Falls Council Approves First Reading of Speeding Ordinance

City to keep more revenue from speeding tickets, hires new city clerk and treasurer

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Thompson Falls City Council approved the first reading of a new speeding ordinance that would allow the city to keep more revenue from speeding tickets instead of the money going to the state. The council also hired Kelliann Barton as the new City Clerk and Treasurer, replacing the previous clerk who was put on paid administrative leave. Other topics discussed included appointments to the Zoning and Board of Adjustments committee, discontinuing the use of Zoom for council meetings, and supporting a child safety event and community cleanup efforts.

Why it matters

The speeding ordinance is aimed at improving public safety and increasing revenue for the city, while the hiring of a new city clerk and treasurer signals changes in local government leadership. The council's decisions on committees, technology, and community events reflect efforts to balance resident needs, government operations, and public engagement.

The details

The speeding ordinance, proposed by Officer Michael Derry, would allow the city to keep more of the revenue from speeding tickets instead of the money going to the state. Council President Raoul Ribeiro said the ordinance would help cut down on people opposing tickets. The council also hired Kelliann Barton as the new City Clerk and Treasurer, replacing the previous clerk who was put on paid administrative leave. Former Mayor Mark Sheets urged the council to open the position to public applications, but the city said it followed its personnel policy in hiring Barton.

  • The Thompson Falls City Council approved the first reading of the speeding ordinance on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • The council will decide on the second reading of the speeding ordinance at its March 2026 meeting.
  • Kelliann Barton was sworn in as the new City Clerk and Treasurer on Monday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Michael Derry

An officer with the Thompson Falls Police Department who approached the council about the speeding ordinance.

Raoul Ribeiro

The Thompson Falls City Council President.

Gussie O'Connor

The Mayor of Thompson Falls.

Kelliann Barton

The new City Clerk and Treasurer for Thompson Falls, hired by the council.

Mark Sheets

The former Mayor of Thompson Falls who urged the council to open the City Clerk and Treasurer position to public applications.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.