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Morrow council adopts updated municipal court fine schedule; sanitation fee increase deferred
Summary
On second reading the council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-008, updating the municipal court fine schedule. Council debated concerns that the city should not rely on fine revenue and discussed marijuana decriminalization as a separate policy topic. A proposed 10% sanitation fee increase (Ordinance 2026-009) was deferred at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Khoa Voung.
The Morrow City Council on May 26 adopted Ordinance No. 2026-008, updating the City of Morrow Municipal Court fine schedule, on second reading. The measure passed unanimously after council discussion.
Councilman Wayne Collins raised concern that the city has increased fines frequently and cautioned that municipal governments should not rely on fines as a primary revenue source. He also brought up the broader policy question of marijuana decriminalization and the potential long-term effects of criminal records on employment opportunities for young adults; Mayor John J. Lampl II clarified that the marijuana discussion was separate from the fine-schedule ordinance and could be considered as a future agenda item.
Councilwoman Hue Nguyen said the proposed fine schedule appeared consistent with fees in comparable municipalities and with state standards. Mayor Pro Tem Khoa Voung expressed support for maintaining current penalties related to marijuana offenses.
On a motion by Councilwoman Lana J. Labay, seconded by Councilwoman Hue Nguyen, the council approved Ordinance 2026-008. Council also deferred Ordinance 2026-009, which would have increased sanitation fees by 10 percent, at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Khoa Voung due to concerns about how the ordinance was structured.
What this means: Ordinance 2026-008 becomes adopted policy for the municipal court fine schedule. The sanitation fee proposal will return to the council at a later date after revision and further consideration.
