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Commission updates Administrative Hearings Bureau fines; commissioners urge human-services supports for vulnerable residents
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Summary
Mount Clemens approved a resolution setting minimum fines and increasing the default administrative fee, while commissioners urged better links to senior and county services so residents with hardships do not accrue fines quickly.
The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to adopt updated fee schedules for the Administrative Hearings Bureau (AHB), establishing baseline fines for first and subsequent hearings and increasing the default administrative fee to $150. The change is intended to create consistency among hearing officers and ensure property owners understand the severity of repeated violations.
"Fees and fines for blight violations shall be set by resolution of the city commission," staff told the commission and recommended the update to provide “minimum fines for the first hearing, second hearing, and subsequent hearings.” Staff also noted that pursuant to state law a hearings officer may assess total fines up to $10,000.
Several commissioners supported the change, saying a consistent baseline is needed because penalties were previously applied inconsistently. At the same time, multiple commissioners raised concerns that vulnerable residents — seniors, people with disabilities, or those with medical bills — can be disproportionately affected by fines and might not be able to navigate administrative processes. One commissioner urged linking enforcement to county and nonprofit resources such as the county’s senior chore program and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.
City staff said the typical time between ticket issuance and a hearing is about 45 days and that the city already attempts to connect residents with county programs. Administration agreed to bring the proposed change to a future work session for ordinance language and to coordinate with county partners to clarify assistance options.
On roll call, the resolution passed with one commissioner voting no.
What happens next: Administration will draft ordinance language and return to a work session, and staff said they will pursue better connections to county and nonprofit programs for residents who may need assistance before fines escalate.
