Springville reviews Flock camera contract, mayor questions value for cost

Mayor Phillips told the council the city has had a contract with Flock since 2019 and that the most recent renewal was a 60‑month agreement signed in October 2023. He said his review of the contract and its outcomes left him unconvinced the cost matches the city’s return.

"I feel like the cost is not accurately representing what we're getting," Mayor Phillips said, adding that an audit found roughly eight felony arrests in the past year where Flock “contributed in some way,” though he cautioned that contribution did not mean it was the sole reason for those arrests. Phillips said five of those were retail thefts and argued the city could reallocate Flock funds to officer equipment and training.

Police Chief Miles told the council that while Flock is a useful investigative tool, the department has not used the system enough in Springville to justify its line‑item cost. "It's a great resource. It's a great tool," Chief Miles said, but he noted other agencies can access the system and said the city’s usage has been limited. Members discussed an estimated annual cost of about $27,000–$28,000 and whether the city could shorten or exit the contract.

Council members asked follow‑up questions about the number of units (discussed as about 13 in the city) and whether private business camera access could substitute for subscription coverage in routine cases. No formal motion to terminate or amend the contract was made at the meeting; the council directed staff to continue the audit and return with options for shortening the agreement or reallocating funds if appropriate.