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Lubbock council repeals alarm-permit ordinance after heated public and council backlash
Summary
After public comment and data briefings about monitored alarm calls, the Lubbock City Council voted to repeal the alarm-permit ordinance it adopted Sept. 9, 2025, citing insufficient briefing, implementation concerns and potential burdens on residents. The city will revert to the prior ordinance and study alternatives with broader council and public input.
Assistant Police Chief Neil Baron told the council that the ordinance targeted only third‑party monitored alarm systems and was intended "to free up first responders to answer higher‑priority calls," citing thousands of alarm-related responses and thousands of officer hours spent on false alarms. Baron said the Local Government Code authorizes annual permit fees (examples cited in staff slides included $50 for residential rates and up to $250 for other locations).
Council debate followed public comment from residents who said permit fees could be a financial burden and might discourage alarm use. "It's a money grab," said Clint Overland during the public‑comment period, urging the council to stop a charge he described as another tax on residents. Resident Tanya Jernberg cited local and FBI data and warned that fees could dissuade seniors on fixed incomes from maintaining alarms.
Councilman John Glasheen said he had not been adequately briefed on the ordinance before its passage and that staff presentations had been misleading about scope and implementation. "I take personal responsibility," Glasheen said, but he asked the council to "acknowledge it, apologize and fix our mistake," moving to repeal Ordinance No. 2025‑0011 as adopted on Sept. 9. Other council members echoed concern about process, disclosure of intended third‑party arrangements, and the need for a work session and fuller public outreach.
Supporters of repeal said they still back police efforts to reduce unnecessary responses. Council members emphasized the department’s need for accurate contact information and other tools to speed response to legitimate calls while protecting residents from undue fees.
After discussion the council voted to repeal the ordinance; council members in favor said the repeal would return the city to the prior permitting approach while staff and council prepare a better‑briefed proposal. The mayor pro tem declared the motion carried by voice vote.
