Pasco council backs closure checks and 30‑day camera pilot to curb park restroom vandalism

City parks staff told the council the city’s 28 parks and seven permanent restroom sites have experienced repeated vandalism, misuse and damage that force temporary closures and generate substantial repair costs.

Staff presented a menu of options and estimated seasonal costs: nightly closure checks by contracted security (~$10 per location per night, roughly $15,000/season), dedicated security during open hours (high cost), expanded temporary/seasonal staffing (high recurring cost), keypad locks (expensive and operationally problematic) and camera solutions including leased LVT trailer units or fixed pole systems (staff cited Richland’s positive experience with leased LVT units). A leasing option for a mixed set of fixed-pole and mobile LVT units was estimated at about $131,000 annually for four units; less costly pilots and a city-camera option were also described.

Council questions focused on cost, privacy, records retention and whether Pasco Police or existing staff could perform closure checks instead of outsourcing. City Manager suggested staff would compute the current and recent-year vandalism/repair costs so the council could compare prevention versus repair expenditures. Community members and a local property manager told council that visible cameras or security presence typically deter vandalism.

Council direction: members endorsed a layered approach. They directed staff to implement closure checks (staff will evaluate using either contracted checks or existing officers in coordination with PD) and to proceed with a 30‑day leased LVT camera pilot at priority park locations. Staff will return with pilot results, cost data and recommendations for longer-term staffing or technology solutions.

Staff noted that cameras are primarily useful for post‑incident review but also can act as a visible deterrent; council asked staff to address public‑records, retention and privacy protocols as part of any pilot.