§ 2-5.12. Violations.

(a)

No criminal penalties. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any violation of any provision of this chapter shall be enforced solely as provided in this section.

(b)

Any person who intentionally or negligently violates any of the provisions of this chapter relating to contributions or expenditures shall be liable in a civil action brought by the City Attorney or his authorized designee, in an amount of not more than three (3) times the amount of the unlawful contribution or expenditure, or the sum of One Thousand and no/100ths ($1,000.00) Dollars, whichever is greater, for each violation. The City Attorney may refer allegations of violations of this chapter to an independent person or entity when the City Attorney has a potential conflict of interest.

(c)

For any other violation of this chapter, the penalty shall be the sum of Five Hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) Dollars or each violation.

(d)

Any amount due from any person pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) above, shall be a debt due and owing upon demand to the general fund of the City.

(e)

If two (2) or more persons are responsible for any violation, they shall be jointly and severally liable.

(f)

No civil action alleging a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be filed more than two (2) years after the date that the violation occurred.

(g)

The City Attorney may sue for injunctive relief to enjoined threatened violations of or to compel compliance of the provisions of this chapter.

(h)

Unless a matter is referred to an independent person or entity due to a potential conflict of interest of the City Attorney, the Citizens' Election Advisory Commission may review any alleged violation of this chapter and make nonbinding, advisory recommendations to the City Attorney, at the request of the City Manager or the City Attorney.

(§ 1 (Exh. A), Ord. 1156, eff. May 27, 2010)