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Magistrate reduces fines in some cases, sets procedures for reductions and payments
Summary
During the Dec. 5 hearing the magistrate outlined reduction criteria and reduced a church's outstanding fine to $48 after reviewing mitigation expenses and cooperation; other reduction requests remain subject to written orders and post-compliance review.
The Special Magistrate outlined the standard for requests to reduce fines and rescind liens and heard multiple reduction petitions on Dec. 5.
Heidi Reichart asked for forgiveness or a reduction related to removal of a shed; she and a family member described hardship and said the structure was removed. The clerk and county staff discussed accumulated fine totals on the record (an initial figure of $9,101 was stated during the hearing but later a clerk correction referenced $8,400); the magistrate said reductions are discretionary and generally fall between 1% and 10% of accumulated fines. The magistrate invited the respondent to provide contact information and documents to process any reduction consideration once compliance is verified.
Leo Robinson, representing Powerhouse Family Worship Center, said the church incurred more than $6,700 in remediation and additional costs (permits, crushed asphalt, engineering) to address shed and flood-zone issues; the county reported no recommendation and acknowledged the respondent had worked with code and growth-management staff. Considering expenditures and cooperation, the magistrate reduced the outstanding fine (reported on the record as $4,800) to $48.
The magistrate instructed respondents to await a mailed written decision from the clerk, to follow payment or payment-plan directions, and noted that only after a property is in compliance will the magistrate consider a reduction or rescission of liens.
