(Greensburg, IN) – The Greensburg Fire Department is looking to start a fire inspection fees and fines program similar to what many other communities have on the books.
Chief Nathan Stoermer and fire inspector Alan Campbell presented a plan Tuesday night to Greensburg City Council that would allow them to levy fines against people or businesses not following the fire code.
“After five years of inspections, we’ve had some businesses that are basically repeat offenders of violations, after violations, after violations,” Stoermer said. “We give them several months to fix it. We try to work with them in fixing it. We have some who still do not fix what they’re doing, so we’re looking to levy that monetary punishment to try to persuade them to comply with the fire and life safety code.”
Stoermer says it would start with a documented verbal warning, followed by first, second and third offense status, with an escalating fee schedule that would increase with severity and time.
The fire department will work with legal counsel to draft an ordinance for city council to hold 1st Reading next month.
The program would go into effect upon approval of the 2nd Reading by council. Stoermer expects that to happen in October.
