NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- People who are convicted of crimes in Nashville could end up helping charities if a Metro councilman has his way.

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Metro Councilman Mike Jameson said he wants certain criminals to pay extra to help keep charities afloat.

Jameson said his idea calls for anyone convicted of serious crime to be charged $45. The money would go to domestic violence and other victims' groups in Nashville.

Jud Rodney helps run the Mary Parrish Center, which offers help to victims of domestic violence. He said that like so many nonprofits, the center’s donations are way down.

"We have not been able to meet all the needs we used to be able to meet," he said.

Since the city has had to cut funding for the center, Jameson wants to make sure these important agencies don’t have to close.

"It’s sort of like a toll booth. You're paying because you're the user," he said.

The state Legislature about a year ago gave its OK for counties to charge criminals a fee if their sentence is more than $500.

Councilman Sam Coleman said such a fee is unfair and that many people already can't afford to pay an attorney or court fees.

He said his biggest concern is where the money would go. He said someone found guilty of stealing copper shouldn’t have to give to a domestic assault center.

"Making sure the rationale behind any fee is connected to what a defendant actually did and not to a program he or she knows nothing about," Coleman said.

Jameson said it’s not a perfect plan but a reasonable option.

"You may not have children in public school, but you're paying a hefty property tax to fund public schools, because that’s a responsibility as tax-paying citizens. This is the closest we can get the two together," he said.

The fee would generate about $250,000 yearly and would be split between six nonprofits in Nashville.

The Metro Council is expected to vote on the issue at its meeting on Tuesday night.