The Marshall County Commissioners began debating whether Flock cameras should be allowed in Marshall County, and the Marshall County Council has ended the debate for now.
While voting on the budget for the coming year, the Council decided to defund the cameras by a 4-3 margin, with Councilman Brandon Schadek, Jim Masterson, and Greg Compton voting against.
The debate began with an exchange between Council President Tim Harmon and Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman.
Chipman stated that no court in the country had ruled to the extreme that was being presented by local politicians.
Harmon responded that he felt the voters had made their desires known here and in other municipalities about Flock camera surveillance, and he felt obligated to respect their desire.
After a discussion, a motion was made by Councilperson Nicole Cox to continue funding with a reduction from $20,000 to $3000 for the system. Commissioner Jesse Bohannon and Harmon weighed in before the final vote, both saying that they preferred a reduction to zero in the amount funded. Cox concurred, changing her motion.
In a written statement to GIANT FM news after the meeting, Chipman stated that "Flock is an important subject to be publicly debated and thoughtfully considered on facts, not hyperbole and intentional misinformation."
He called defunding an "...existing lawful contract..." in a county budget ordinance "irresponsible government" and thanked the three councilmen who "voted with common sense."
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