Mount Vernon residents urge council to reject use of opioid settlement funds for police K-9 unit; item removed for further study

Mount Vernon ' Residents packed the Mount Vernon City Council chamber on Jan. 28 to oppose a proposal to spend opioid distributor settlement money on a police K-9 unit and to press the city to terminate its contract with Flock security.

Sam Irons, who identified himself as a Mount Vernon resident, told the council the distributor settlement enumerates uses such as treatment, naloxone distribution, recovery housing and wraparound services and does not list a K-9 unit. "I would strongly encourage to instead focus this money on something other than a K-9 unit," he said, describing the settlement's intent to support people affected by opioid addiction.

Multiple public speakers echoed that position. Nikki LaVey said the Flock surveillance system poses privacy and safety risks and urged the city to cancel the contract, arguing the cameras allow detailed tracking of residents' movements. "Surveillance of our neighbors should not be done by a third party entity with no constituent oversight," LaVey said. Andrea, another resident, urged council to vote no on Resolution 10-90, citing national reporting on canine attacks and saying settlement funds should be used for nonviolent, evidence-based responses to addiction. "Using opioid settlement funds for a police attack dog is a gross misuse of these resources," she said.

Speakers pressed the council on process and transparency: residents asked whether the police department consulted local addiction-service providers or the health department, and several said the proposal packet lacked an itemized cost breakdown for the canine, vehicle and ongoing veterinary and maintenance estimates.

In response to public concern and questions raised during the meeting, Councilmember Mary moved (seconded by Melissa) to strike item E from the agenda and send the proposal to a study or committee session for a more robust discussion. The council approved that motion by voice vote. The mayor and staff said they would schedule follow-up with the police chief and the public safety committee.

No final action was taken on Resolution 10-90 at the Jan. 28 meeting. City officials did not adopt the K-9 proposal tonight and directed additional review and a potential committee presentation. The council also heard multiple public comments urging cancellation of Mount Vernon's contract with Flock security, and speakers referenced pending state legislation on camera data protections (SB 6002).

The council is expected to discuss the k-9 proposal at a future study session or committee meeting; a date will be set following staff coordination with the police chief and committee chairs.