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Bluff City board weighs $12K–$20K audiovisual upgrade and rules to post meetings quickly
Summary
Council members supported buying upgraded wireless microphones and integrated cameras to improve meeting audio/video quality and speed YouTube posting, with quoted cost estimates between about $12,000 and nearly $20,000; board asked staff for quotes and suggested drafting rules for posting timelines.
Several Bluff City aldermen urged the board to invest in upgraded audiovisual equipment so council and work‑session videos can be posted promptly and with usable audio. Board members said recent uploads to YouTube have been incomplete or have poor sound, and they want meetings posted in a timely manner for public access.
One member estimated an audiovisual system cost “like $12,000,” while others said the total is closer to $20,000. Members recommended obtaining multiple quotes and exploring funding options, including capital surplus funds or grants. They discussed whether a formal ordinance or board rules should set posting timelines and guardrails for members’ agenda rights; the town attorney noted rules rather than an ordinance might suffice.
Staff said wireless microphones were ordered previously but implementation complications arose; the current recommendation is for a wireless, camera‑integrated system that would reduce manual syncing and allow videos to appear shortly after meetings end. The board asked staff to seek quotes and return with a recommendation and potential funding paths before committing to purchase.
