CAI-NJ Aug.2018 (w)

3. FINES. Governing documents may permit the imposition of fines in a stated amount or they may give broader authority and authorize “reasonable” fines or fines “not to exceed” a certain amount. When fines are authorized in a set amount, a policy resolution can estab- lish a procedure for imposing fines, the notice to be provided, and the manner in which they will be collected. When a board has broad authority to establish the amount of fines, it is imperative for the board to adopt a fine policy that sets forth the specific amount of fines to be imposed for various violations. A board faced with a violation for which they haven’t yet established a fine may be tempted to make one up. For this reason, a fine policy should include a default fine. It is also acceptable for CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 24

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