25-1653 : Halton-Pope, Bollman - Requesting Reports and Testimony on Fines, Fees, and Collections

This resolution, initiated by Councilmember Clayton Ballard Hoyt and sponsored by Halton-Pope, Bollman, and others, requests comprehensive reports and testimony regarding the City of Buffalo's fines, fees, and collection practices. The Council is concerned about the effectiveness of current collection methods, the percentage of fines successfully collected, and the management of contracts with collection agencies.

Key Requests Include:

• Director of Treasury Report: Detailing all collections to date, the lifecycle of arrears, the percentage of fines/fees collected versus issued, and information on current collection agency contracts.
• Quarterly Collection Reports: To review collections throughout the year.
• Departmental Reports: Each department issuing fines and fees must report the number and amount of fines issued in the past fiscal year within 30 days of the resolution's passage.
• Bureau of Administrative Adjudication Testimony: To explain plea determination processes, the rationale for fine reductions, and their impact on overall collections.

The resolution aims to increase transparency and accountability in revenue generation and resource management.