DeKalb committee delays vote on tougher scrap-tire enforcement while waiting on state action

Staff presented a redlined substitute resolution and ordinance to strengthen enforcement of egregious tire dumping and illegal scrap-tire disposal. Mr. Allen, presenting the ordinance, said the draft incorporates law-department edits and anticipates state-level legislation that could expand counties’ authority to increase fines.

Mr. Allen described an enforcement approach that would treat each illegally dumped tire as a separate offense so that, for example, a dump of many tires could be fined per tire under local code. "If a violator were to dump 50 tires, they will be charged 1000 dollars per tire," Mr. Allen said, describing the local workaround to increase penalties under existing limits.

Commissioners debated whether to wait for state action or move forward locally. Some expressed skepticism that misdemeanor-level fines under current law would be changed at the state level; others urged immediate local action and asked for administrative capacity and enforcement funding. Commissioner Terry proposed additional compliance mechanisms, such as manifests and licensing for scrap-tire handlers, and suggested restorative or diversion programs to avoid burdening low-income workers with unaffordable fines.

Given the pending state legislative process and the need for an administrative enforcement plan and resources, the committee voted to defer the ordinance and return at the April IRPS meeting with a comprehensive strategy and any updates from the state general assembly.