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Board recommends $596,544 security-camera system to harden critical water and power sites
Summary
The board recommended a $596,543.79 contract with Alarms Etc. Inc. to install high-definition cameras and access controls at critical utility sites; members raised warranty and maintenance questions about long-term service costs.
The Albany Utility Board voted to recommend that the city commission enter a contract with Alarms Etc. Inc. (Leesburg) to initiate the first phase of a security-hardening plan, with an initial expenditure of approximately $596,543.79.
Staff said the project will purchase cameras, servers and keyless access controls to improve surveillance of wells and other critical sites and place those devices on the same network used by the marshal’s office. “We’ve had instances where people have broken into some of our well, worn out fences and things like that,” Everson said, arguing the cameras will deter theft and protect infrastructure.
Board members asked about the warranty and recurring support costs. A board member noted concern that the hardware warranty was only 12 months and asked who would pay for replacements after warranty expiration; staff replied the city would purchase the capital equipment and that, while cameras and servers come with a 12-month hardware warranty, owning the capital equipment reduces long-term subscription and maintenance costs compared with some alternatives.
After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved recommending the contract to the city commission. Staff said installation has already begun at some facilities and this purchase expands the existing system to other critical sites.
