LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Regulators in New Mexico will inquire about plans by Las Cruces to collect $2 million in delinquent red-light camera fines by shutting off the utilities of motorists who have racked up the penalties.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that the city began sending letters a week ago to offenders telling them to either pay up or make payment arrangements or risk having their utilities disconnected.
Patrick Lyons, chairman of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, says the city is going too far and plans to inquire about the policy at a meeting Tuesday in Santa Fe.
City Manager Robert Garza says an ordinance gives the city the power to cut off utilities for people who owe the city money.
So far, no one has had their utilities cut off.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.