Medford, Ore., Looks to Update Security Alarm Ordinance

Medford, Ore., is considering updating the town's alarm ordinance following a high number of responses to false alarms. On Oct. 6, the town's city council approved to look into an ordinance change that would enact a fee for false burglar alarms.

As part of the ordinance update, registration fees would jump from $13 per year to $30, and fines would implemented at the following schedule: first is free; second costs $50; third costs $100; fourth costs $200. Upon the fifth false alarm, the alarm permit for the offending system would be suspended, requiring a $400 reinstatement fee.

As it stands now, the city will be scheduling a public hearing on the changes. The public hearing will be held as part of an upcoming city council meeting, the date of which has not been announced.