City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 140 -
GARBAGE, RUBBISH, AND REFUSE, ARTICLE I -
GARBAGE AND RUBBISH COLLECTION,
§140-6 - PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES OF THE
CODE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
WHEREAS, in correspondence dated January 29, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to amend Chapter 140, §140-6 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, the existing penalty provision in its entirety, and to adopt new language in its place; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 140 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon governs the regulation of garbage, rubbish, refuse, and related receptacles within the City; and
WHEREAS, §140-6 of said Chapter currently provides for a broad fine range for violations, without distinguishing penalties based on repeat offenses; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has determined that a defined, graduated penalty structure will promote consistency in enforcement and enhance compliance with the City’s sanitation regulations; and
WHEREAS, establishing escalating penalties for repeat violations will provide clear notice to violators and support the effective administration of the Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Amendment of City Code. Chapter 140, §140-6 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon is hereby amended to delete the existing penalty provision in its entirety and to adopt the following new language in its place.
Section 2. Repeal of Existing Language. The following language of Chapter 140, §140-6 is hereby repealed:
[Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this article or rules promulgated by the Commissioner pursuant to this article shall, on conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).]
Section 3. Adoption of New Penalty Schedule. Chapter 140, §140-6 shall be amended to read as follows:
§140-6. Penalties. Any person who shall violate any provision of this article or any rule promulgated by the Commissioner pursuant to this article shall, upon conviction, be subject to the following fines:
(1) First offense: One hundred dollars ($100);
(2) Second offense: Five hundred dollars ($500);
(3) Third and each subsequent offense: One thousand dollars ($1,000).
Section 4. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 5. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.
New Matter Underlined
Deleted Matter in Brackets [ ]