Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 4.02 Related to Police Department Fees for Security Alarm Registration and False Alarm Calls
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 4.02 Related to Police Department Fees on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapter 4.02 Related to Police Department Fees on second reading.
Staff Contact:
Rich Allen, Interim Chief of Police, Olympia Police Department - 360.753.8300
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and Analysis did not change from first to second reading.
Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 4.02 relates to fees charged by the Olympia Police Department (OPD), including the registration of security alarms and false alarm fees. Review of the false alarm program shows the following:
1. OPD responds to alarms relating to burglaries or robberies, without regard to whether the alarm may or may not be a false alarm unrelated to criminal activity.
2. Fees for false alarms have not proven to be a reliable deterrent to false alarms within the City.
3. Fees for false alarms create economic hardship for residents and businesses within the City, further exacerbating the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the above, OPD recommends repealing fees for security alarm registration and false alarm calls.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Repealing false alarm fees will reduce administrative tasks and permit OPD to redirect staff resources to other critical public safety needs.
Options:
1. Approve the Ordinance repealing false alarm fees
2. Do not approve the Ordinance. False alarm fees will continue to be imposed on Olympia residents and businesses.
3. Take no action.
Financial Impact:
OPD currently expends critical a...
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