Lake Santeetlah – The Graham County Sheriff’s Office is promoting a security camera system that will record vehicle license plate information and transmit that data to local government and law enforcement.
The office is reaching out to the towns of Lake Santeetlah, Robbinsville and Fontana Dam to see if they would like to participate in the program.
Atlanta-based Flock Safety provides a public safety operating system that helps communities and law enforcement in over 1,500 cities work together to eliminate crime, protect privacy, and mitigate bias, according to the company’s website.
The company manufactures devices that capture objective evidence and use machine learning to detect and deliver unbiased investigative leads to law enforcement.
Flock Safety communities have reported crime reductions of up to 70 percent using video surveillance cameras, the company claims.
Each camera is $2,500. There is also a $350 set-up fee and $2,500 yearly contract and monitor fee.
“It could be expensive,” Town of Lake Santeetlah Mayor Connie Gross told the town council at its July 14 meeting. “The town may not be able to afford it.”
Other news and notes
* Mayor Gross briefed the council about efforts to map the town’s water system. She has priced equipment used to detect underground pipes starting at $15,000. She approached leaders in Robbinsville – which has the equipment – about borrowing or renting it for short-term use. The Board of Aldermen in Robbinsville is considering the request.
* The town council approved $6,806 for a new composition shingle roof for town hall. Although two people suggested that a metal roof would last longer, the less expensive shingles option includes removal of the old roof.
* The Santeetlah Fire Department Fundraiser/Appreciation Day fundraiser has been rescheduled for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4.
* The town has distributed a survey to find out whether town residents and property owners want the town council to continue meeting on evenings one Thursday each month, or some other time. Results of the survey will be released and discussed at the next meeting.