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DDA approves $25,000 pilot to help businesses join sheriff’s camera network
Summary
The Cascade Charter Township DDA approved Resolution 2026-1 to establish a security grant program that can subsidize annual camera-subscription fees for businesses in the district, with an initial budget cap of $25,000 for 2026.
Cascade Charter Township’s Downtown Development Authority voted to approve a pilot security grant program intended to reduce financial barriers for businesses that enroll their security cameras in the Kent County Sheriff’s camera network. Staff described the program as one that would “allow businesses to voluntarily connect their existing security camera systems with law enforcement,” while allowing businesses to retain ownership and control of their equipment, and presented a draft resolution establishing the program.
Board members questioned scope, cost and privacy safeguards during a robust discussion. Staff said the sheriff’s office is covering upfront hardware costs for early participants but not ongoing subscription fees; the DDA grant would subsidize the annual subscription (the baseline subscription cited by staff was $150 for up to four cameras). Staff recommended an initial budget of $25,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year, which the presenter estimated could cover roughly 26 businesses at typical package levels depending on uptake.
Several speakers raised privacy concerns and asked how law-enforcement access would be controlled; staff responded that the business owner would retain the ability to remove or unplug devices and that the sheriff’s office records timestamps and user access when deputies view footage. After discussion, a board member moved to approve the grant program with a $25,000 cap for 2026; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
