Code Enforcement Officer Richard Brown told the town board tonight he proposed a $100 fine for failing to keep grass properly cut and a $200 fine if the same violation occurs at the same address after three months.
A public hearing will have to be held on the matter but before that happens the town board wants its attorney to review the proposed amendment to the nuisance ordinance.
Brown said Roanoke Rapids has a $250 fine with $500 after three months. “(Public Utilities Director) Donald (Crowder) is getting overwhelmed with cutting grass.”
He said Roanoke Rapids doesn’t collect much for the violations. “They impose a lot but collect mighty few.”
Commissioner Earl Smith hinted the board might want to up the fine. “One-hundred bucks is not worth going to court.”
Mayor Julia Meacham said she believed the penalty should be attached as a property lien.
Said Smith: “One-hundred dollars is showing compassion.”
There is to be no profanity and there is to be no character assassination even if the person being written about is a suspect in a crime.
Comments that presume knowledge of a person’s home life, financial situation or other personal details will be not be posted as will comments which presume legal knowledge.
All comments must be on the topic of the story and offer the reader’s insight on a particular issue. rrspin.com will cease posting comments if the editor determines readers are infighting with one another and not staying on the topic of a story.
rrspin.com prefers readers use their real names because anonymous posters are accountable for their comments just as readers who post their names are.