Benton County commission rejects sheriff’s $42,000 proposal for license‑plate readers

Sheriff Ken Christopher asked the Benton County Commission on Nov. 17 to appropriate $42,000 from the county's unassigned general fund balance to contract with Flock Safety for 12 license‑plate readers (LPRs) and two live video cameras to be deployed at multiple locations across the county.

The request, presented as Resolution No. 20251117‑08, was discussed after two representatives from Flock Safety spoke during the Citizens' Forum. The resolution text stated the sheriff's office believes the system would “increase arrest rates, promote public safety” and provide an investigative tool for deputies. The meeting minutes record no direct quoted testimony; the company representatives' appearances were recorded under public comment.

Commissioners voted on the appropriation by roll call. The motion failed by a roll‑call vote of 10 Aye, 5 No (Commissioners Douglas, Miller, Furr, Fowler and Nunnery), with three commissioners absent. Because the appropriation required use of unassigned fund balance for an ongoing contract, the defeat leaves the sheriff without county funding to enter the proposed Flock Safety contract at this time.

The minutes do not record an extended debate or additional public safety data presented during the meeting, nor do they record alternative funding options being adopted. The Citizens' Forum earlier that evening included two Flock Safety representatives listed on the agenda as Tim Vick and Robert Jackson; their statements are recorded as part of the forum but not transcribed as direct quotes in the official minutes.

Outcome: Resolution 20251117‑08 (Flock Safety contract funding) — Failed, roll‑call vote 10–5.