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Germantown approves five‑year Flock camera renewal, directs staff to seek business donations to reduce levy impact
Summary
Trustees approved a five‑year renewal of the village’s Flock camera contract, agreed to a $33,500 levy allocation in the 2026 budget, and amended the motion to direct staff to pursue donations from Germantown businesses and county partners to lower future levy reliance.
The Germantown Village Board voted to renew a five‑year service agreement with Flock for license‑plate reader and camera services and approved placing the contract in the 2026 budget with levy support, while adding an amendment directing staff to seek contributions from local businesses and further coordination with the county.
Trustees heard that donations that previously covered much of the service have declined; staff reported receiving $7,500 this year toward camera costs and said the five‑year contract was recommended to lock in price. Finance staff confirmed the 2026 budget includes a levy allocation for the cameras of $33,500.
Several trustees raised concerns about placing the cost on the levy. Trustee Pieper said she opposed levying residents for the cameras and urged the village to pursue business donors: "I do not think that we should be paying for this. We are literally keeping the businesses in Germantown safe by using these." Trustee Baum agreed staff should press local businesses that benefit from the cameras and explore county support, while another trustee noted Menomonee Falls already pays for cameras on its half of County Line Road.
After debate, the board approved the five‑year renewal and carried an amendment directing staff to aggressively solicit donations from Germantown businesses and to seek county participation where appropriate. Staff said the plan is to levy for the cameras in 2026 and to seek donations during 2026 with the aim of removing the expense from the levy in 2027 if donations materialize.
Outcome: Motion approved with amendment; $33,500 placed in the 2026 levy for Flock cameras with direction to seek business and county contributions.
Next steps: Staff will contact major local retailers and county officials as directed and report back on donation prospects and any shared‑service opportunities.
