In the last two weeks, there have been three incidents involving illegal dirtbikes and ATVs. That resulted in two arrests and several tickets issued.

Some common council members are hoping a new rewards program approved 9-3 Thursday night will help tackle this issue.

Information leading to arrests and convictions will result in financial rewards — up $1,000 for misdemeanors and up to $25,000 for felonies.

The council agrees this is an issue but not everyone approves of this program, like the three members who voted against the measure.

“Historically we’ve seen policies like these offering cash rewards might not be discriminatory in intent but might be discriminatory in practice,” said Jahmel Robinson, Albany Common Council member.

“The rewards program doesn’t change anything of the approaches to try and deal with it. It just provides a tool that might provide helpful information,” said Richard Conti, Albany Common Council member.

This program will be implemented by the police department and already has support from Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins.