Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses cameras, drones and mounting public‑safety costs as part of FY 2026–27 review
Summary
Paramount staff outlined public‑safety spending increases and new technology investments — including leased ALPR cameras, a drone pilot and continuing JPA partnerships — and warned that related costs (notably helicopter usage) can be substantial.
Councilmembers spent substantial time reviewing public‑safety allocations and technology proposals during the budget workshop. Vice Mayor Maggie presented the public‑safety budget and described line items for contracted sheriff services, a traffic officer position and community youth programs.
On technology, staff described an existing 20‑camera leased automated license plate reader (ALPR) program with support costs identified in the budget and a proposed continuation/lease amount of roughly $55,000 for the term. Staff also described a proposed drone pilot (quoted budget line ~ $109,000) for first‑response support and noted a JPA allocation of $50,000 to participate in regional joint efforts.
Vice Mayor Maggie framed safety spending as a top priority: “Tener nuestra comunidad segura siempre es la prioridad del Consejo Municipal,” she said, while also acknowledging concerns from councilmembers about recurring and operational costs tied to technology and contracted services.
Council members pressed staff on recurring charges tied to camera deployments and the potential for added costs such as helicopter support. Staff noted the helicopter cost for certain incidents totaled approximately $72,000 in the current fiscal year and emphasized department protocols for air support requests.
The council did not amend the public‑safety package on the floor but requested additional cost breakdowns and clarifications about monitoring, personnel impacts and procurement terms for the ALPR and drone initiatives.
