Snowflake council accepts $75,250 AZDPS grant to buy Flock license‑plate cameras

The Snowflake Town Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to accept a $75,250 FY25 Local Border Support Grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to buy Flock Safety license‑plate reader cameras for Snowflake and Taylor. The motion was made by Councilmember Mark Sheen and seconded by Councilmember Reid Stinnett; Cory Johnson and Joe Bjornn were absent.

Chief Martin, speaking for town public safety staff, described the cameras as a license‑plate reader system that integrates locally and with state and national data “for criminal activity,” and emphasized that “there are no pictures taken of occupants.” He said the devices would be managed by Flock for two years and that the town has a 60‑day window to decide whether to participate after initial deployment.

Citizen Packard asked about the ongoing cost after the grant. Chief Martin said the town could seek additional grants or return the equipment if it is underused, and estimated that keeping the system beyond the grant period would cost “about $30,000 per year.”

Council and staff also noted that neighboring jurisdictions, including Show Low and St. Johns, use the same system, which the town expects to integrate with local records. The council did not attach conditions to the grant acceptance in the motion; staff will follow grant administration procedures and report back on next steps and any procurement or retention decisions.

The council approved the grant acceptance during the same meeting in which it considered other agenda items, including a comprehensive fee schedule and zoning proposals. The town’s immediate financial obligation under the grant is the award amount; potential recurring costs would begin only if the council chooses to retain the system after the grant term.