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Benton Harbor Proposes In-House Handling of Minor Civil Infractions
City aims to streamline ticket payment process and increase revenue from minor code violations.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:00pm
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Benton Harbor's proposal to handle minor civil infractions in-house aims to streamline the ticket payment process and increase revenue for the city.Benton Harbor TodayBenton Harbor city leaders are considering creating a Municipal Civil Infraction Bureau to handle the payment of tickets issued to residents for minor offenses, rather than requiring them to go through the county court system. The proposed system would allow residents to pay fines directly to the city, which would generate more revenue for Benton Harbor compared to the current process.
Why it matters
The new system could make it easier and more convenient for Benton Harbor residents to resolve minor code violations, while also increasing the city's revenue from these infractions. It reflects an effort by local government to improve service delivery and efficiency around low-level offenses.
The details
Under the proposed plan, the city would issue tickets for violations like noise, nuisance, pets on the beach, vending, water supply issues, and rental registration non-compliance. Residents could then pay the fines directly to the city, rather than having to go through the county court system. City Attorney Sara Senica noted that the tickets could be issued by staff beyond just police officers, such as park employees. Residents would still have the option to appeal the tickets to the court if they dispute the violation.
- The Benton Harbor Legislative Committee discussed the proposal this week.
- The proposal has been sent to the city's Public Safety Committee for further review.
The players
Alex Little
Benton Harbor City Manager who proposed the creation of a Municipal Civil Infraction Bureau.
Sara Senica
Benton Harbor City Attorney who provided details on the types of minor violations that would be covered under the new system.
What they’re saying
“This is a mechanism that will step up this process and allow us to write a ticket, and if the people want to abate the situation, they can come right down here to the window and pay for it without having to go through two or three court appointments and long delays.”
— Alex Little, Benton Harbor City Manager
“There's noise, nuisance, pets on the beach, vending, water supply, rental registration. We require our rentals to be inspected and registered. If somebody doesn't comply with that program, they get a civil infraction ticket.”
— Sara Senica, Benton Harbor City Attorney
What’s next
The proposal will next be reviewed by the Benton Harbor Public Safety Committee before any further action is taken.
The takeaway
Benton Harbor's plan to handle minor civil infractions in-house represents a local government effort to improve efficiency and increase revenue around low-level code violations. If implemented, the new system could make it easier for residents to resolve these issues while also boosting the city's coffers.
