Wayne County OKs $200,000 for magnetometers amid questions about future sale
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Summary
The Wayne County Commission approved a $200,000 contribution toward magnetometers for the Downtown Detroit Partnership to screen large public events; Commissioner Tim Killeen voted no, citing concerns about the deal's structure and the possibility the devices could later be sold.
The Wayne County Commission approved $200,000 to help the Downtown Detroit Partnership acquire magnetometers to screen attendees at large public events, after commissioners debated conditions around possible future sale and county access.
Commissioner Tim Killeen said he planned to vote no, saying he did not "like the structure of the deal" and questioned whether the county would be protected if the equipment were sold later. Commission counsel and department staff explained the resolution now requires notice to the county and restricts sale for a three-year period, with county use guaranteed for that window.
Anthony Cartwright, interim director of the county's Economic Development Department, told the commission the department believes the items will have little resale market value after three years and that Downtown Detroit Partnership will cover deployment and movement costs. Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, said the organization's purpose is to support public-event safety and that "we have no intention of selling these" and he would discuss proceeds with the county if a sale ever occurred.
Supporters, including commissioners who sit on the Economic Development committee, said the equipment expands security capability for events countywide and noted coordination with the sheriff's office for use at family-oriented community gatherings.
The motion to approve the item carried on a voice vote; the clerk recorded Commissioner Killeen as a no on item 1.