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Charlton commission recommends graduated noncriminal fines to town administrator
Summary
Commissioners voted to recommend a noncriminal fine schedule for bylaw violations: $50 first offense, $100 second, and $300 third and subsequent offenses; staff said letters and inspections precede fines and daily fines can accrue for ongoing violations.
During old business the Town of Charlton conservation commission reviewed a proposed noncriminal fine schedule to use for bylaw enforcement and voted to recommend the schedule to the town administrator for inclusion in the town bylaws.
Staff explained that under current practice the town sends letters and inspects before issuing fines. The proposed graduated schedule would assess $50 for a first noncriminal offense, $100 for a second offense and $300 for a third and subsequent offense, with criminal penalties (up to $300 per offense) remaining an alternative when appropriate. Staff said daily fines may accrue if an enforcement order is not followed and that the agent typically issues letters and attempts to resolve matters before assessing fines.
Commissioners discussed consistent application and the desire to avoid repeatedly escalating to the maximum fine for first‑time or inadvertent violations. The commission moved to recommend adoption of the proposed schedule to the town administrator and passed the motion.
