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Vermillion advances ordinance to let council set fines for early or improper trash collection
Summary
Council advanced Ordinance 1527 to a second reading on Jan. 21; the ordinance would amend city code to permit fines set by resolution for unlawful collection of solid waste outside approved start times or on unauthorized days, a change prompted by a recent case in which the magistrate set a fine.
The Vermillion City Council voted Jan. 6 to advance Ordinance 1527 to a second reading on Jan. 21. The proposed ordinance would amend the municipal code so that a fine established by council resolution may be assessed for unlawful collection of solid waste before the established start time or on an unauthorized day.
City staff described the item as a “cleanup” to avoid recurring reliance on magistrate courts to set fines when the code prohibits a conduct but does not specify a fine. Staff said a recent case required the magistrate to set a fee because the municipal code did not include a penalty or an equivalent state violation. Staff told the council the magistrate‑determined fine in that case was about $54, with court costs of $72.50, but that the council may set a different amount; staff said state law would allow fines up to $500 where no comparable state violation exists.
Councillors discussed the possibility of an escalating fee schedule (higher fines for repeat offenses). Staff recommended advancing the ordinance so the council could adopt a resolution establishing a fine at the second reading; the resolution would take effect with the ordinance if both are adopted. Councillor Price moved to advance the ordinance; Councillor Lieber seconded. The council approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.
Second reading and a separate resolution to set the specific fine are scheduled for the Jan. 21 meeting.
