Sheriff seeks grant for 65 license‑plate readers; court authorizes application amid budget concerns

The Kendall County Commissioners Court on May 13 authorized the sheriff’s office to apply for a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant to fund up to 65 license‑plate reader cameras from Flock Safety, with a court-approved application submission.

Sheriff Al Ochsner and grant staff told the court the system would provide real‑time alerts and investigative support for stolen vehicles, catalytic‑converter thefts and other vehicle‑related crimes. The initial project cost estimate presented to the court was $343,472.50 with a county match not to exceed $68,694.50; deputies and the grant coordinator said discounts under negotiation could lower vendor pricing.

Commissioners acknowledged the operational and investigative value of LPRs but several expressed concern about long‑term budget commitments. One commissioner suggested phasing installation over multiple years to reduce fiscal exposure if grant funding is not renewed; sheriff’s staff said that is feasible and that camera counts could be reduced after the first year if overlap with neighboring jurisdictions is discovered. Flock Safety staff said the system is widely used in adjacent counties and that interoperability with neighboring installations can expand coverage.

The court voted 4-1 to authorize submitting the application; Commissioner Chapman recorded the lone dissent. Staff will continue coordination with the City of Boerne to check for overlapping camera sites and will return to the court with any adjustments to the requested camera count and cost estimate prior to final contracting.