Southold Town’s parking ticket amnesty program set for June

Southold Town will have offer an amnesty program next month for people who have unpaid parking tickets issued between Jan. 2007 and Feb. 2016.

Between June 1 though June 30, Southold Town Justice Court will grant a 50 percent reduction in the amount of fines and late penalties. The reduction is only valid if the parking tickets are paid in full in June, according to a press release.

Southold Town Justice Court director Leanne Reilly pitched the idea to the Town Board in February and the board formally adopted the plan in April by a 4-0 vote, with council members Bob Ghosio and Louisa Evans absent.

The board, in approving the program, also authorized a contract with Fundamental Business Services Inc. for administration of the amnesty program.

Between 2007 and Feb. 2016, the town issued 984 parking tickets that still have not been paid, Ms. Reilly told the Town Board in February. Because of that, the town is owed more than $170,340 in base fines and late penalties, she said.

Supervisor Scott Russell said the Town Board implemented the amnesty based on the suggestion of the Justice Court.

“Honestly, I had some reservations since it essentially gives a ‘discount’ to people who ignored the system for a long times,” Mr. Russell said in an email. “However, it has been successful in other jurisdictions in getting past fines paid. It’s revenue we weren’t going to get, so, if this spurs payment, then we can at least get some revenue for the taxpayers.”

Officials described the program as a one-time opportunity to resolve unanswered summonses and have a savings at the same time.  After June, penalties will be re-instituted by the town and all appropriate enforcement and collection procedures will be implemented.

The program offers three options:

• Pay online at http://www.southoldtownny.gov

• Mail in payment using certified check or money order to the Southold Town Justice Court, P.O. Box 1179, Southold, NY 11971

• Pay in person at the Southold Town Justice Court office located at 53095 Main Rd. in Southold during business hours.

For more information, contact the Southold Town Justice Court at 631-765-1852.