HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9673 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9673
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council October 14, 2014
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*a SUBJECT: TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALARM PERMITTING
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The purpose of this report is to provide an update on technology improvements for the alarm
permitting process and false alarm management system.
Overview
In 2006, alarm permitting and false alarm management were transferred from the Police
Department to Planning and Development. Currently the Planning and Development Department
processes approximately 41,000 transactions, alarm permits and service fees, totaling $1.9M
annually. To obtain an alarm permit today a customer must either come to City Hall or submit the
application by mail. To pay a false alarm fee a customer can either appear in person, pay by mail
or call with a credit card payment.
Technology Improvements
Through a collaborative effort comprised of IT, Treasury, Communications & Public Engagement,
Planning & Development, and our suppliers, Orion and JP Morgan Chase, this manual process
has been automated, allowing customers to obtain alarm permits online.
The web-based tool located at hllp://fortworthtexas.,izov/applications/alarmpermitpayments/ includes
software upgrades that allow new permits to be applied for, and existing permits to be renewed
online using credit cards or by check with the Automated Clearing House (ACH) through JP
Morgan Chase. In addition customers will be able to pay false alarm fees online. The system will
process transactions generating an online printable receipt and a downloadable and printable
permit. Through the web-based tool citizens have a convenient means to apply, renew and pay
for alarm permits and fees from a computer or a mobile device, saving them time and money.
This technology upgrade will allow staff resources to be redirected to better serve our customers.
The web-based tool went live for our customers on October 1.
The implementation of a web-based tool that allows online alarm permitting will greatly enhance
customer satisfaction and improve process efficiency.
If you have any questions please contact Randle Harwood at 817-392-6101.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS