Council reviews $166,300 amendment to staff speed camera program; members say sworn officer likely not required under new law

The council considered an amendment (No. 19) that would add $166,300 to the police department budget to fund a sergeant position to administer five additional speed cameras, with a matching $166,300 increase in fines and forfeitures revenue.

Budget presenters said the $166,300 figure represents the salary and benefits for a sergeant. "We took the conservative approach. That's the dollar amount to fund the sergeant position," a finance representative said. The presenters noted expected revenue could exceed that figure but said they used a conservative staffing cost to establish the amendment.

During discussion, aldermen and staff noted a recent change in state law that clarified a sworn officer may no longer be required to administer or sign off on citations produced by speed cameras. "State general assembly did pass legislation ... a sworn officer is no longer needed to administer or at least sign off on the ticket portion of this program," one council member said. Aldermen asked the finance committee and police department to revisit the staffing assumption and the magnitude of the amendment before final vote, since a non‑sworn administrator or contractual approach could lower the fiscal ask.

Operational and vendor details: Police and procurement staff advised the council there is no upfront cost for camera hardware from the vendor; the vendor recoups costs from violator revenue once citations are issued. Council members asked for updated staffing and revenue projections and for the police department to identify implementation tasks that might require dedicated staff versus those that could be handled by existing personnel or a contractor.

Ending: The finance committee sponsor said the amendment is open to revision and recommended working with police department staff to finalize the staffing level and revenue estimates before the June vote on the budget.