Council adopts $23 annual burglary alarm renewal fee to cover administrative costs

The Placerville City Council voted to adopt a $23 annual renewal fee for burglary alarm permits to recover administrative costs associated with processing renewals. Chief Maciel told the council the municipal code requires renewal and allows a fee, and that staff currently absorbs the administrative cost. The proposed fee is intended to offset staff time for identifying permits due for renewal, mailing notices, processing applications, and updating records.

A councilmember asked whether the $23 represents the full cost; staff responded that the city is charging the maximum subsidy level authorized by city policy (about a 55% subsidy remains). Chief Maciel estimated about 100–150 active permits will be affected. Resident Sue Rodman urged the council to consider full cost recovery rather than subsidizing burglar alarm permits.

Council discussion touched on the age of code provisions and the need for a master fee study to standardize subsidies and fee inflators across departments. Staff said a broader master fee analysis is planned in the fiscal year to update subsidy levels and city code accordingly. The resolution to establish the $23 renewal fee passed by roll call vote.