Michigan City Common Council September 15, 2026

The Michigan City Common Council held a meeting on September 15, 2026, with key discussions focused on the city budget and public safety technology procurement. The council reviewed and approved a claims docket totaling approximately $2.6 million from the riverboat fund, with no expenditures from the Boyd Development or rainy day funds. The mayor presented the proposed 2027 budget of $78.8 million, highlighting significant allocations for police and fire departments, capital expenses including a $1.5 million fire truck, and requests for new staff positions to support increased permit activity and community services. A major procurement topic was the proposed expansion and regulation of the Flock license plate reader (ALPR) system for the police department. The council heard extensive presentations on updated policies governing Flock use, including access controls, audit procedures, and data sharing with federal agencies. Public comments revealed significant community concern over privacy, misuse of the technology, and Fourth Amendment rights, with some neighboring counties discontinuing Flock contracts. The council voted to table the ordinance on Flock expansion until the next meeting to allow further review of policies and community input. Other agenda items included the removal of the word "indefinite" from a data center moratorium ordinance and appointments to the historic preservation commission. No contract awards or new vendor selections were finalized during this meeting, but the discussions and motions indicate ongoing procurement and policy decisions related to public safety technology and city infrastructure.