HOPE — Those who merely move disabled vehicles and garbage from one spot to another to avoid fines in Hope may end up paying more.
Town attorney Scott Andrews has agreed to create proposed ordinance amendments that will raise the financial consequences for those cited within one year for violating certain ordinances more than twice.
A pattern has emerged among a small group of Hope residents after the town council passed ordinances to eliminate garbage visibly left on property or junked cars that remain in the same spot indefinitely.
Once it is established that an ordinance violation has existed for a few months, a letter is sent to the property owner that gives them two weeks to take care of the matter, council member Clyde Compton said.
“After they get a letter, they’ll clean it up or do something with it — but a month later, you’ll see that person’s name back on the sheet (of those breaking the same ordinance)”, Compton said.
That will start another cycle that still ends with junked cars and garbage remaining an eyesore for the town, council members said.
The best way to stop the same people from repeatedly making the same violations is for the town to adopt a “three strikes and you’re out” policy, Compton said.
That means while each of the initial violations might cost about $25, a third offense over a one-year period of time could result in the person being taken to court and ordered to pay several hundred dollars, Andrews said.
Increases in penalties can be done by making amendments to existing ordinances, Andrews explained.
“We have to make it worthwhile to comply with this ordinance,” Andrews said. “Now, if you have someone with (one violation), you aren’t going to pay me $500 to try to collect $25.”
When council member Ohmer Miller asked if attorney fees could be added to a fine, Andrews said he believes it is legal under Indiana law as long as the town has a set amount established for the joint fines and legal fees.
Hope Building and Zoning Administrator Matt Galbraith says he has no problem with higher fines and additional penalties, because he finds himself having to modify the same letter for the same offense to the same person every three months. Andrews did not say when he anticipates his proposed amendments will be ready to present to the council.
