Suamico board approves security cameras for Fire Station 2 after brief discussion

The Village of Suamico Village Board voted unanimously Feb. 3 to install security cameras at Fire Station 2, approving a $21,798.20 contract and directing the additional $1,298.20 over the budgeted $20,500 to come from the building maintenance sinking fund.

Chief Bertler told the board the 2025 budget included $20,500 for cameras and said staff solicited several quotes; the lowest installation bid was from Baycom, equipment bids were lowest from Faith Technologies, and the lowest server quote came from Dell. "This building holds millions of dollars of assets that's unprotected," Bertler said, urging approval to protect equipment.

IT consultant Brent Ward said the video server would have a typical service life of roughly five to eight years and that the village planned on-site storage, not cloud backup. Ward said the village configured storage for 120 days of retention and built capacity to 180 days, and that footage can be exported and preserved indefinitely for litigation or evidentiary needs.

Trustees asked how future replacement and maintenance would be funded; staff said ongoing replacement needs would be tracked and likely addressed through the building sinking fund in future budget cycles.

Trustee Romas moved to approve the installation for $21,798.20 with the $1,298.20 overage coming from the building maintenance sinking fund; Trustee Andrews seconded. A roll call recorded seven ayes and the motion carried 7–0.

The board did not refer the item for further study; installation and vendor selection will proceed per the contracts and vendor quotes presented to the board.