SAN CLEMENTE : City Raises Fees for False Alarms, Golf

False fire alarms will soon cost a resident or business more, while out-of-town golfers will notice an increased greens fee at the municipal course.

As a result of action taken by the City Council last week, a false fire alarm will now cost a resident or business $300, up from $250. The city allows two false alarms annually per person before charging a fee.

The city will also charge more for a permit to install a police or fire alarm. Permit fees for those who have their alarms monitored by the city Emergency Communications Center will increase from $125 to $200.

Permit fees for those who have a private company monitor their alarm will increase by $10 to $35.

Interim Fire Chief Gene F. Begnell told the council that higher alarm fees are needed to keep up with rising costs.

“The city is interested in recovering 100% of the cost of these programs while maintaining a service which is competitive to the private sector,” he said in a report to the council.

As for the Municipal Golf Course, the City Council agreed to keep greens fees the same for golfers who live in San Clemente but increase them by $2 to $3 for those players who live out of town.

City officials had recommended a $1 increase for golfers who live in San Clemente and a $1 to $2 increase for out-of-town players.

The council, however, decided to approve the recommendation set by the Golf Course Committee and check back in four months to see how the new fees are affecting play among out-of-towners. Fees will also increase for golf cart registration and other services.

The increase in golf fees is needed to ensure that $300,000 is set aside each year for improvements and maintenance at the course, officials said.