Soddy‑Daisy approves school‑zone cameras and authorizes public‑safety purchases

City public‑safety officials updated the Board of Commissioners on equipment purchases and a proposed school‑zone camera program at the July 21 meeting; commissioners approved the contracts and purchases they were asked to authorize.

Fire Chief Dusty Morgan said the department identified a 2000 E‑1 95‑foot platform aerial in Lancaster, Pa.; he reported the seller had asked $159,000 and he negotiated a purchase price of $140,000, including delivery and a 90‑day powertrain warranty. Chief Morgan said the aerial will require painting at an estimated $35,000 but that the purchase remains under the department’s budgeted amount. He said City Manager Johnson and City Attorney Elliott reviewed the contract.

Police Chief Sneed reported that Wilson County canceled a previously approved truck order and asked permission to purchase an available vehicle from a dealer for $3,000 more than the prior approval; the commission voted unanimously to allow the police purchase. Chief Sneed also presented a proposal for school‑zone FDR cameras and license‑plate readers. He said the city has eight schools with just under 4,000 students and that the system would operate warning signs followed by mailed $50 citations when drivers are detected 11 mph over the posted speed. License‑plate readers would log vehicles 24/7 and notify police if a flagged offender enters school property; vendor representative Ryan Moore said engineers would determine camera placement and cited a 92% reduction in school‑zone speeding in Georgia installations.

Chief Sneed asked for authorization for the mayor to sign a three‑year contract; City Attorney Elliott said he would review the contract and commissioners approved the signature authorization unanimously. Chief Sneed said tickets would be reviewed by a POST‑certified officer before mailing. He indicated the city hopes to have the cameras operational by October or November.