COLUMBIA--Some state agencies say they want more oversight of county treasurers and court clerks because departments are not receiving millions of dollars in court fees.

Those fees, which double the fines for traffic tickets, are supposed to help some state agencies, but those agencies said they're supposed to get more money.

"We're not alleging any malice on anyone's part," said state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon chief of staff Stephen Birnie said. "But we do need to take a look at what is contributing to the downward direction in these fees."

Birnie said his agency should have received about $1.8 million more in fees than it actually did this year.

Last year, fees forwarded to the state treasurer totaled $46.8 million, he said.

If the state sets a fine for a traffic violation at $100, legislators have more than doubled the price of that ticket with a fee, meaning people have to pay $207.50.

Beginning in July, traffic offenders will have to pay an extra $25 per ticket.

Birnie's agency isn't the only one suffering.

Don Royal, the chief financial officer for the Department of Public Safety, said his agency was shortchanged by at least $1 million this year and those fees are the only source of money for the state Criminal Justice Academy, where law enforcement officers are trained.

"Historically, we've seen a steady annual increase in court fines," Royal said. "They have held steady for the past five years, but this year there has been a drastic drop."

The agency expected $9.6 million but took in only $8.3 million, Royal said.

The gap has prompted the elimination of 28 full-time academy positions, said Steven Lake, internal audit director for Public Safety.

Birnie brought the issue to Gov. Mark Sanford's attention last week during state budget hearings.

Agencies want more oversight of county treasurers and clerks, especially since Royal and Birnie said they noticed a similar problem five years ago.

A sample state audit of seven counties and municipalities found misappropriations totaling tens of thousands of dollars, Royal said.