Island County adopts drone operations policy with local-funds restriction after debate
Loading...
Summary
The board adopted a small unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations policy but added an amendment to prohibit purchase of UAS equipment using state or federal funds; the resolution passed 2-1 after commissioners debated privacy, control and staffing issues.
The Board of Island County Commissioners on April 1 adopted a small unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations policy and added a provision limiting acquisition of the equipment to county (local) funds only.
Ed Suesser, identified as the county engineer, presented the draft policy and described adoption as the first step; procurement of a drone would follow and requires inclusion in the county budget. "For you today is the drone policy that was presented at the [December] work session," Suesser said, describing a two-step approach: adopt policy, then procure equipment if budgeted.
During discussion, one commissioner said they would not vote for the policy unless it contained language restricting use of state or federal funds to buy the equipment, arguing that outside funding could subject the county to directives from higher levels of government. That commissioner said: "If federal funds are used ... there could be an opportunity for those level of governments to direct the use of that equipment for activities that they feel might be an appropriate use that we as local government may not." Another commissioner expressed concerns about staffing and the reliability of having two trained operators available during an emergency.
A second commissioner supported the amendment and emphasized the policy's intended uses, including bluff and erosion inspections, and said the county would provide public notice before flights. "There's no intention of using this to spy on citizens," that commissioner said, adding the tool would help identify bluff erosion and other hazards without exposing staff to risk.
The board amended the policy to add a new item (page 6 of 7, item 10, letter E) restricting purchase of UAS equipment to local county funds only. The motion to adopt the resolution with that amendment passed by voice vote, 2-1 (two in favor, one opposed). The board did not identify any additional restrictions or conditions beyond the added funding limitation during the meeting.
The item now moves to the budgeting and procurement process; Suesser and staff indicated procurement would follow the board's policy and the county's budget timeline.
