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Council tables AI policy to allow review of procedures and risk controls
Summary
Meridian staff presented a Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence policy; councilmembers requested operating procedures, clearer definitions and risk assessments and voted to continue the item to a Jan. 7 workshop for further review.
City staff presented a proposed Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence policy and accompanying procedures and recommended the city adopt basic controls on purchases, security, and human review for AI-produced materials.
"What you have before you is a policy and procedure for the responsible use of artificial intelligence," staff told the council, adding the policy focuses on approvals for city expenditures, cyber security and ethical use. Staff said more-detailed operating procedures exist but were not attached to the packet.
Councilmembers raised several concerns: the need for a clear definition of AI, formal AI risk assessments for critical systems, how the city will police vendor use of AI, auditability and whether the policy would unduly limit staff innovation. "Any kind of critical infrastructure in the city of Meridian that uses artificial intelligence for me has to have a human as part of that loop," one councilmember said. Others argued for a “start simple and iterate” approach used by larger cities.
After discussion, Councilman Cameron moved to continue the item to a January 7 workshop so councilmembers could review the operating procedures and provide feedback; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said there were no operational harms from a short delay, but emphasized that without policy controls it is difficult to manage free, unapproved use of AI tools on city systems.
The council did not adopt the policy on Dec. 3 and expects staff to supply the accompanying operating procedures and risk-assessment guidance ahead of the January workshop.
