Mount Carmel officials approved moving forward with three Flock Safety camera units to monitor the city’s three main entrances, citing public-safety benefits and consultant confirmation that the expense is eligible.

Mister Turner (speaker 2) told the council that Moran, the city’s consultant, determined the cameras were an eligible expense and that the first-year cost would be $23,900 for three cameras, with an ongoing annual cost of approximately $10,000. “That would be for 3 cameras,” Turner said in explaining the estimate.

Council members asked clarifying questions about camera orientation and coverage. Commissioner McSabbin (speaker 3) confirmed the cameras are intended to capture front and rear license plates coming into and leaving the city. “They get them coming in and going out,” McSabbin said.

After limited discussion, a motion to proceed with the purchase was made, seconded and approved by roll call.

What this does and does not do: the vote authorizes the purchase and initial funding commitment; contract details, vendor agreement and long-term budgetary provision for recurring fees were not presented in detail at the meeting. No technical specifications beyond basic coverage and plate capture were discussed.