Benton Harbor Commission establishes municipal civil‑infraction bureau, adopts fine schedule

The Benton Harbor City Commission voted to establish a municipal civil‑infraction bureau and adopt a related fine schedule during its regular meeting. City Attorney said the measure had been vetted through multiple committees and will allow the city to handle many low‑level violations locally instead of routing them to the court system.

Commissioners said residents must be informed about the new infractions and fees. Commissioner Henry asked how the city would reach residents who are not online; the city manager said staff would post information on the city website and Facebook, and the communications committee and staff recommended printed flyers at payment centers and distribution through churches and community organizations.

The city attorney told the commission the change had been considered by several committees to provide multiple layers of review and that a frequently asked‑questions document was prepared for the communications committee to distribute. Commissioner Fields and others urged clear, nontechnical language and suggested flyers and posters at water‑payment centers so seniors and residents without internet access could learn the new rules.

The commission approved the ordinance to create the bureau and then adopted the fine schedule by recorded vote. City staff said the bureau will be accompanied by outreach materials and periodic public education to reduce confusion and to explain the process for escalations to the courts when necessary.

Officials said the new local process aims to keep enforcement primarily at the local level and to retain associated fines within the city unless escalation is required. The city attorney and manager indicated further details about implementation would be provided to the communications committee and the full commission as materials are finalized.