Commissioners defer decision on security cameras for precinct barn pending additional bids

Anderson County commissioners on a May meeting discussed but did not approve a plan to install security cameras at the Precinct 3 Road and Bridge barn, asking the precinct to collect one more vendor bid and to clarify funding for installation and monitoring.

Commissioner Will Banks presented two written quotes: Peace of Mind Security at $5,950 and J & B Security at $6,434.97. Banks asked whether the initial equipment and installation could be paid from capital outlay funds while monthly monitoring fees would be paid from his budget. Commissioners discussed capital-account rules and whether a purchase over $2,500 must be capitalized. County staff instructed that purchases over $2,500 would be capitalized to the capital outlay department if the board approved.

The court asked Commissioner Banks to obtain a third bid—East Texas Alarm was specifically mentioned as a likely bidder—so that the county could compare “apples to apples” prices. Commissioners did not record a motion or vote on the purchase and tabled the item pending receipt of the additional bid and clarification on budget coding and monitoring-fee responsibility.

Banks said the cameras are intended to deter theft of county assets and allow remote monitoring; he said he would be willing to pay monitoring fees from his budget if the board covers the initial equipment and installation cost. No vendors were awarded the work at the meeting.

The discussion included procedural and accounting clarifications but no formal action. The item will return to a future court meeting once the third bid and funding approach are available.