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Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno says a total of 19 people, about half of them city residents, have been cited for illegal dumping in the city.
The city uses more than two dozen portable cameras that are posted throughout the city to ban violators.
Of the 19, one man who was in the city from Virginia was cited.
The Mayor says it is a quality of life issue that has been a problem for many neighborhoods throughout the years.
The Mayor says that although the city is serious about cracking down of the problem, the courts are falling short of the mark.
“Once again our courts are not backing our local efforts here in the city of Springfield,” said Mayor Sarno. “From releasing violent repeat criminal offenders back into our community with little to no bail, now waiving the illegal dumping fines the City Council and I had approved to help curb illegal dumping and hold these illegal dumpers responsible for their transgressions. Where are the consequences for their actions that negatively impact the quality of life for our residents and business community! Not only that, but it now costs our tax payers hundreds and thousands of dollars to clean up the illegal dumped items they leave behind and now the courts are denying us of any means to recoup this expense and the burden upon the city and taxpayers. Shame on our courts.”
In 2023, the City Council, led by Council President Attorney Michael Fenton and Councilor Victor Davila, adapted a local ordinance, which the Mayor signed and supported, that increased the fine for illegal dumping in the city from $300 to $500. In addition, if fines were not paid in a timely manner, the RMV would be notified and a mark would be placed on their ability to renew their license and registration.
(Photo from City of Springfield)