Board directs staff to draft school‑zone automated speed‑enforcement ordinance; public hearing set for June 10

The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted to direct staff to draft an ordinance enabling automated speed enforcement in school zones and to bring the draft back for review and a public hearing. The board scheduled a public hearing for the draft ordinance for June 10.

County staff reviewed a vendor cooperative procurement (BlueLine Solutions) and explained how the program would operate under state law that limits automated civil citations to school zones and construction zones. Staff said vendor participation can include upfront investment in signage (staff cited an approximate $60,000 figure for updated signs) and that vendor agreements typically include a revenue share; staff said the example contract would allocate roughly $25 of a $100 civil fine to the vendor.

The sheriff’s office would be responsible for sworn‑officer review of violation videos before civil enforcement paperwork is issued, staff said. The board heard that nearby counties that implemented similar programs reported reduced speeds, and members discussed potential court‑clerk impacts from civil appeals.

Board members asked staff to draft a local ordinance (citing the state code section that authorizes civil fines) and advertised a public hearing. Staff and the county attorney will prepare the ordinance for board review; the board noted the first year of many vendor contracts is three years and can include pro‑rata costs if the county cancels early.

The motion to proceed was approved by voice vote; the board instructed staff to return with a draft ordinance and to advertise for a June 10 public hearing.