09/10/2026 Council Meeting

The Kosciusko County Government held a council meeting on September 10, 2026, primarily focused on budget hearings and a significant public discussion regarding the funding and use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, specifically the Flock Safety system. The council reviewed and approved budgets for the Solid Waste Management District, Syracuse Public Library, and the overall county budget for 2027, including wage increases and grant appropriations. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to public testimony and presentations from law enforcement officials and community members about privacy concerns, legal implications, and the operational use of Flock cameras. The council ultimately passed motions to withhold funding for ALPR cameras and similar surveillance technologies from any county-controlled funds, including taxpayer dollars, user fees, and grants, pending specific council approval. They also restricted funding for digital evidence management platforms like Axon Justice without council consent. The meeting included discussions on the limitations of council authority regarding contract cancellations and emphasized the need for transparency and public trust in surveillance technology use. Additional motions addressed wage adjustments and night shift differentials for county employees, with some items tabled for future meetings. The meeting concluded with approvals of various grant applications and budget items.