City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 140-24
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
RELATING TO UNAUTHORIZED DUMPING; FINES
WHEREAS, in correspondence dated January 29, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to amend Chapter 140, ?140-24 of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, relating to unauthorized dumping; fines provision, 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 enforcement provisions; and
WHEREAS, ?140-24 of the City Code addresses unauthorized dumping and establishes penalties for violations thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has reviewed enforcement outcomes and field conditions related to illegal dumping within the City; and
WHEREAS, field experience has demonstrated that revisions to the existing penalty provisions are warranted in order to strengthen deterrence, clarify enforcement, and support effective prosecution of unauthorized dumping violations; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has recommended the adoption of a clear, graduated penalty schedule for violations of ?140-24;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon as follows:
Section 1. Amendment of City Code. Chapter 140, ?140-24 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 The following language of Chapter 140, ?140-24 is hereby repealed:
[Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable for a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $20,000. In addition, every owner of a dump truck or other vehicle shall be liable for a fine of not less than $1,500 nor more than $10,000 for each offense of unlaw...
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