Bandera town hall pauses Flock Safety camera rollout after privacy and vandalism concerns

City of Bandera officials told residents at a packed town‑hall that further installations of Flock Safety license‑plate readers are on hold after community concerns about privacy, security and local priorities. Jill Dickerson, the city secretary and interim city administrator, said the city had installed one grant-funded camera that was quickly vandalized and that the council will review the program before any additional units are placed.

"And what I see happening is it going back to council. But until then, no other cameras will be installed because we're not gonna waste time and money installing them to have them vandalized," Dickerson said. Multiple speakers said the initial deployment was paid for with a grant and stressed that the pilot year would not require city tax dollars if the grant conditions hold. One attendee confirmed: "We've received the grant already. It's not gonna cost the city anything."

The Q&A drew a wide range of concerns: residents asked about environmental and health impacts, whether equipment parts are U.S.‑made, and how data would be stored and shared. Law‑enforcement officials urged the value of the technology in solving crimes and responding to trafficking. City officials said the pause gives council time to consider the range of public feedback before deciding whether to proceed with the remaining cameras.

The city will place the item on a future council agenda and has asked citizens and stakeholders to provide documentation and proposals ahead of that meeting. Organizers closed the session urging continued civic engagement and local information‑sharing.