Bel Air approves Verkada surveillance system after debate over costs and data handling

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to approve the purchase and installation of Verkada public-safety surveillance equipment, authorizing Infinity Technologies of Rosedale to install the system for $165,004.44. The town intends to expand its existing network to roughly 22 sites (staff cited original plans for 12 locations expanded through vendor negotiations) and integrate the cameras with county systems and certain state-owned intersections.

Chief Moore described the system as a “state-of-the-art” upgrade that adds high-resolution cameras, cloud-based analytics and real-time monitoring. He told the board the package includes Verkada hardware, mounts, five years of software licensing and installation and that the procurement was piggybacked on Harford County contract 25-268 to meet town procurement policy. “The installation of Verkada surveillance technology will enhance the town’s ability to ensure community safety by combining modern hardware with real time intelligent video analytics,” Moore said.

Commissioners pressed staff on the up-front and recurring costs. Staff said the $165,004.44 covers purchase and installation and that licensing for the Verkada software is a separate multi-year cost; the vendor pricing included a five‑year license line item of $38,098.98. Chief Moore and staff estimated recurring annual costs—including periodic license renewals, cellular (Verizon) connections for about 18 cameras and electricity—would be roughly $16,000 to $17,000 per year after the initial payment schedule, noting the five-year license is typically paid in advance and renewed in year six. The chief confirmed the system’s initial licensing term covers five years.

On data handling, the chief stated Verkada does not retain client video locally on the vendor side and that access controls and retention policies will be overseen by Bel Air Police and town leadership. When asked, Chief Moore said, “That is correct,” in response to a commissioner’s question about vendor data storage, and added that records are retained only according to the department’s retention and investigative needs.

Staff emphasized interoperability with Harford County and said cost savings were achieved through partner discounts and use of existing MDOT infrastructure at some intersections. The procurement officer characterized the contract as a firm-fixed-price arrangement for installation and hardware and explained that Infinity Technologies was selected under the county contract.

After extended questioning on costs, geofencing and oversight, the board voted to approve the purchase. Commissioner Taylor, Commissioner Chance and Chair Eddington voted aye.

The approved contract requires ongoing budget monitoring for future license renewals and cellular service; staff said plans call for expanding coverage further in subsequent budget cycles.