LaGrange City Council heard first readings at Tuesday’s meeting that would raise the price of demolition permits and change the way police respond to emergency alarms.

The demolition permits would increase from $25 to $50 to recoup more of the expenses incurred by the city to demolish a structure. The price hasn’t been changed in about six years.

“That will cover a site visit,” City Manager Tom Hall said.

The city has to inspect a building before and after demolition, disconnect utilities, and issue a permit card to the demolishing group.

The city issues about 20 permits per year

“A lot of it is generated by us,” Hall said.

Council also heard the first reading of an ordinance that could speed up emergency response times to residential or commercial burglar alarm calls.

The ordinance would allow the city to immediately send an emergency vehicle to the address in question when it’s triggered. Usually, the alarm company has to try to make contact with the owner before a vehicle is sent. The ordinance would allow a vehicle to be sent before owners are called.

“It’s a matter of saving a minute or two during a response,” Hall said.

Residents wouldn’t have to worry about false alarm fees, however. If an alarm is triggered, an officer would be sent and a phone call would be made. If the owner cleared it with the alarm company, the officer would be called off.

“It will happen within 90 seconds,” he said.

Also Tuesday, council approved a Class B consumption beer and wine license for Yama, to be located at 111-113 Main St., previously the location of Ou La La.

Trey Wood can be reached at twood @ lagrangenews. com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 228.