Council amends alarm ordinance to waive renewals for seniors and add $3 online convenience fee

The Temple City Council approved an amendment to Chapter 28 (Police), Article 3 of the city code to conform with the police department's contract with PMAM, a full-service alarm management program.

Staff explained the revision contains two changes: it eliminates alarm renewal fees for citizens aged 65 and older, and it adds a $3 convenience fee for citizens or businesses that choose to pay renewal fees online via credit or debit card. Staff recommended approval of the two amendments.

During the public hearing Alan Lytle noted he had paid his alarm renewal earlier that day and asked whether residents who are not 65 would still be able to make in-person payments or be required to pay online. Staff confirmed in-person payments would still be accepted. Lytle asked, "Do I get my $15 back?" and staff said they would "talk about it."

The ordinance amendments went forward after a motion by Council member Grant and a second by Council member Pilkington and were approved by a 4-0 vote on first reading/public hearing. The meeting record does not show a council amendment to the staff recommendations; the changes as presented align the local ordinance with contract provisions and add the stated convenience fee.