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Police propose technology surcharge and higher alarm fees to help cover rising law-enforcement costs
Summary
Deputy Chief John Koech and finance staff proposed a municipal surcharge on convictions to fund police technology (body cameras, evidence management, tasers) and higher annual alarm permits and false-alarm penalties; staff estimated roughly $544,000 at a $20 surcharge and recommended council consider the changes with 30 days public notice.
Deputy Chief John Koech told the council the Police Department seeks a sustainable funding source for increasing technology and related contracts — including body-worn cameras, records management and conducted-energy weapons — that have grown substantially in cost. Staff proposed a police-technology surcharge on municipal traffic and criminal convictions (excluding AVIS automated camera and parking violations), with the mayor determining the surcharge amount annually based on departmental needs.
Koech and finance staff presented a realized-cost example: if the surcharge were set at $20 per qualifying conviction, staff estimate roughly $544,000 in 2025 revenue given standard ticketing and payment rates. Koech told council that the TASER contract alone may double in cost next year per vendor notification and argued a predictable dedicated revenue stream would help maintain required technology.
Separately, the Police Department proposed updating alarm-user permits (residential to $50/year, commercial to $75/year, with senior discounts) and increasing false-alarm fines (first false alarm $50, escalating to $300 for fifth and subsequent false alarms) to better reflect present staffing, vehicle and technology costs; staff said current permit fees have not been updated since 2008. Municipal Court staff explained collection mechanics and waiver processes for indigent defendants.
Council members asked about collection rates, the share of systems cost that a surcharge would cover, and whether higher amounts would reduce payment compliance; staff said they will present public notice and additional analysis if council directs the item forward.
