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Commissioners remove proposed EagleView aerial-imagery purchase from budget after privacy and cost questions
Summary
After a presentation from EagleView Pictometry and questions about cost and privacy, the Washington County Board voted unanimously on June 3 to remove the proposed EagleView purchase from the FY2020 budget.
Joe Wilson of EagleView Pictometry presented an overview of the company’s web-based aerial-imagery platform to the Washington County Board on June 3, describing uses for tax assessment, emergency management and other county departments and outlining pricing based on square mileage.
Wilson told commissioners that the first capture would cost about $52,000 and that the County could spread that cost over multiple years or pursue discounts if neighboring counties participated. Wilson said one practical difference from free online imagery is that "the County can dictate when they fly and take the shots," and that EagleView can provide infrared imagery.
Commissioner Phelps moved to remove EagleView from the county budget. Commissioners discussed benefits and concerns, including privacy; Commissioner Sexton said he had "mixed feelings regarding the privacy issues." Tax Administrator Ms. Wilkins said aerial views could help identify structures that might otherwise be missed during the upcoming property revaluation. After discussion the motion to remove EagleView from the budget passed unanimously.
What’s next: The Board’s removal of EagleView from the budget means staff will not move forward with procurement unless the Board revisits the matter or authorizes a future appropriation.
