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Security Alarm in Rock Hill



ROCK HILL
Alarm Works Well —Too Well, Says Owner

By Tanya Parker
Post-Dispatch Special Correspondent

Frank Maridles, who operates a small business in Rock Hill, recently put in a new security alarm system, only to have it accidentally trip 12 times. Facing $800 in fines, he carne to the Board of Aldermen to appeal what he considers an exorbitant penalty for false alarms.

Marides' request coincided with a financial report from Alderman Brad-ford L. Stevens, 3rd Ward, head of the finance committee for Rock Hill. Stevens reported that fines from false alarms had become an unexpected source of revenue for Rock Hill. He said the fines were meant to deter false alarms, not make money.

Rock Hill waives the first two false alarms, then charges a fine ranging from $25 to $100. The ordinance applies to both residents and business owners. Stevens said false alarms had increased to 280 incidents in the past year, when residents or employees were in the buildings.

Mayor Kennard O. Whitfield told Marides that the fines \vere intended to keep the police "where they needed to be," not following false alarms or generating unnecessary paperwork. He added that fines were not charged when the buildings were vacant. Whitfield added that appeals rested with the court.


In another matter, Stevens objected to a proposal by the mayor for the annual Senior Citizens Day. Since 1975, Rock Hill has honored elderly residents with a special day. Stevens questioned the purpose and goal of Senior Citizens Day and asked whether such an event was really a function of government.

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