Council members question a $74,000 line for license‑plate‑reader trailer; staff says grant offsets package cost

During the consent-agenda review on Sept. 25 the Clute City Council queried a $74,000 accounts‑payable line described in the packet for a license‑plate‑reader (LPR) trailer and subscription. A councilmember asked whether the city would owe $74,000 annually for a subscription. Staff clarified that the $74,000 figure was the trailer component and initial subscription bundled with that unit; the annual subscription fee will be substantially lower. Staff said the total package for five LPR units and associated equipment had been budgeted at $144,000 and that the city received a $120,000 grant to offset the purchase; the city’s expected share is about $24,000. Staff added there are additional expenditures yet to be invoiced as the fixed‑position pole units are installed. Council members asked for confirmation that the grant had been approved; staff said the grant was approved and that the annual renewal subscription cost will be significantly lower than the initial bundled purchase. The consent agenda, which included the accounts‑payable items covering the LPR invoice, was approved unanimously. No policy discussion on privacy or data‑sharing agreements occurred at the meeting; council members limited their remarks to budgetary and procurement questions.