Greenwich looking to increase fines

GREENWICH, Conn.--A Feb. 16 story from Greenwich Time reports the town is looking to increase it's take for services provided. For example, there were $85,250 in unpaid fines levied by the town for false fire and burglar alarms as of Feb. 9, according to the report. Selectman Lin Lavery said the town should consider charging interest on unpaid fines, which it currently does not, and raising fees for false alarms and to register security systems. The town currently charges $10 to register an alarm. Residents and businesses are allowed one false alarm per year without being penalized, with the fine schedule starting at $50 for a second false alarm, $100 for the third, $150 for the fourth and $200 for each subsequent infraction. "Just looking at this one item, the first thing I would do is raise the fees," Lavery said. The number of alarms registered in Greenwich is currently 6,734. The fine for failing to register is $20, which Lavery and some members of the Alarm Appeal Board also want to raise.