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Council weighs time‑sensitive ODOT drone grant for police; privacy and costs divide members
Summary
The city was urged to accept a state Drones for First Responders grant (up to $300,000 reimbursement) with tight deadlines; Director Stone and police staff emphasized operational uses and public‑record transparency while some members and residents warned of surveillance risks and long‑term storage and training costs.
Director Stone told the Finance & Personnel committee on Feb. 9 that the city had an opportunity to participate in an ODOT/FlyOhio program that reimburses up to $300,000 for acquisition and operation of an unmanned aerial system for first‑responder use. The program requires a rapid turnaround: the signed agreement must be returned by Feb. 17 and acquisition within about 90 days; reimbursements are expected within roughly 30 days of a request.
Stone and police staff described the intended…
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