N. Aurora may handle violations locally

Moving away from court enforcement for ordinance violations may be a way to cut costs, gain compliance and get to know the community better while collecting more money.

At least that's what North Aurora officials are saying as they consider handling several types of ordinance violations through an administrative adjudication process. Village Administrator Sue McLaughlin said instead of going to court or collections, residents with violations would go to an office, talk with officials and pay the fine.

The change would not be for traffic violations, but would cover property maintenance, weeds and inoperative vehicles, she said.

McLaughlin worked in an adjudication office in Rockford and said the process worked to create flexibility the court does not offer.

"We would get a chance to talk to the residents and get to know their problem. It really gives the freedom to work with residents," McLaughlin said. "It's a better tool to gain compliance."

She said the process would also cut costs in police overtime as well as bring in a higher percentage of the money from fines. Currently, the village collects $28 from a $75 fine, with the rest going to Kane County for court and other costs, she said.

The village is in discussions with Geneva and Batavia about the possibility of sharing a facility and costs. However, those talks are still in the preliminary stages, as they're trying to figure out where the facility would be located. The village will still look at adding adjudication even if an agreement with its neighbors cannot be reached, McLaughlin said.

Trustee Mike Herlihy said by taking care of smaller offenses and ordinance violations locally, the village would be doing the courts a service.

"This is an effective way to handle things in the village. There are more important things for the courts to do" than handle these cases, Herlihy said.

The discussion will continue and a vote could come at a village board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at village hall.