Romulus City Council Study Session 10-26-26

The Romulus City Council held a special study session on October 26, 2026, to consider a request for a formal investigation into the TIFA board’s approval of the Flock camera agreement. James Lee raised questions about the procurement record and oversight, citing 26 camera systems authorized in 2023 for $146,100 and a 2026 order for 34 devices totaling $270,000. He also highlighted a discrepancy between a $47,500 amount presented to the TIFA board and a later $90,000 agreement, and requested records clarifying the approvals, device inventory, funding sources, deployment, contract terms, data access and sharing, and retention practices.

Council members expressed differing views on the cameras’ public-safety value, while several acknowledged the need to answer Lee’s questions and discuss oversight. The mayor supported further conversation about balancing public safety and technology with appropriate safeguards. The council approved the meeting agenda, but the provided transcript does not record a vote or other action on the requested investigation; the request remained under discussion. No new contract award or spending approval was recorded.