The replacement of the fire alarm system at Culver Community Middle/High School apparently hasn’t been successful in eliminating false alarms. Now the school corporation may owe the Town of Culver $2,100.
The new alarm system was installed this past summer, after the old fire alarm became increasingly disruptive, often going off twice a day for no apparent reason. But during last week’s town council meeting, it was learned that the new system hasn’t been much better.
Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim said emergency responders were called to the school seven times since September, due to false alarms. That adds up to $2,100 in false alarm penalties, according to a policy implemented by the town last year. Under the ordinance, there are no charges for the first two false alarms, but then the fee increases for each additional one.
Town officials say they warned the school corporation about the fees at the time of the first call. School administrators were also urged to demand that the installers fix the problem.
Also during last week’s meeting, the Culver Town Council approved the purchase of a new police SUV from Oliver Ford. Police Chief Wayne Bean said it cost a bit more than the Dodge Charger, which was the town’s other option, but it provides some additional space.
