It is evident that there is a strong need to provide immediate
preventive, remedial and restorative services to reduce the high rate
of recidivism and continuing violations in Riverhead Town Justice
Court with respect to the specific Town Code violations listed throughout
this chapter. To address this concern, mandatory surcharges shall
be added to the stated fines listed for each violation referenced
in this chapter and shall be imposed by the presiding judge at sentencing.
The mandatory surcharges shall be transferred to the respective funds
listed in this chapter. Monies from these accounts will provide for
the immediate allocation of resources necessary to prevent and remedy
damage to Town-owned properties and rights-of-way and support and/or
bolster services provided by the Town. In this way, the Town hopes
to meet the growing needs of its diverse population and enhance the
overall safety and quality of life for all residents. The Town Board
recognizes that the Town of Riverhead Justice Court collects a significant
amount of revenues through fines on an annual basis. The application
of a mandatory surcharge on these fines would benefit the Town at
large.
The proposed chapter is enacted pursuant to Municipal Home Rule
Law § 10(1)(ii)(a)(11), (12) and(14); and § 10(4)(b).