I'm obviously not a Delta, but my chapter had a problem with fines as well. Many years ago everything kind of blew up in our chapter because our treasurer had no choice but to report a recent alum with several outstanding fines to Nationals....and she was deactivated. I personally think it's an annoying necessity...there are chapter requirements for attendance for rush events and although everyone has lives outside the sorority (despite the formulaic stereotypes), it is a serious commitment...with serious ramifications if you fail to live up to it.
I found that as long as I submitted an excuse to the secretary soon after the missed event, I was spared the fine...just my two cents