Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek told residents on Thursday that the city will end its five‑year agreement with Flock Safety, a company that provides license plate reader cameras. The contract, originally valued at roughly $128,000, required the city to pay about $33,000 for the first year. Because Oviedo did not receive a federal grant like several nearby municipalities, the city decided to cancel the remaining four years of service.
Neighboring cities benefit from grant‑funded cameras
Winter Springs Police Chief Matt Tracht confirmed that his city never signed a purchase contract with Flock Safety, yet still enjoys the technology through a grant‑based arrangement. “Although we did not have a purchase contract with Flock, our community did benefit from their services. I stand unified with Sheriff Lemma and my fellow chiefs of police in recognizing the value this technology has provided for law enforcement while also acknowledging the concerns surrounding its use,” Tracht said.
Altamonte Springs police echoed the grant story, noting that their cameras were funded by a Department of Homeland Security and FEMA grant and are owned by the federal government. “There was no cost to the city for them, and there will be no cost associated with the suspension,” the department said.
Residents voice tax‑payer concerns
Local taxpayers expressed unease about the use of municipal funds for what they described as a “mass surveillance network.” Oviedo resident Gabriella Mengel said, “I don’t understand how people are OK with local and state government using our tax dollars to invest in this mass surveillance network.”
The city’s decision to cancel the contract means that Oviedo will not incur additional expenses for the technology, but it also raises questions about how the community will maintain traffic safety and law‑enforcement capabilities without the cameras.
County‑wide context
Seminole County’s overall contract with Flock Safety remains under review, and officials have not yet released the full details. Meanwhile, other municipalities such as Sanford and Winter Springs have confirmed that their Flock cameras were funded entirely through federal grants, eliminating any direct cost to local budgets.
City council members are expected to discuss the broader implications of surveillance technology at the next meeting, including potential alternatives that balance public safety with fiscal responsibility and privacy concerns.
What’s next for Oviedo?
Mayor Sladek indicated that the city will explore other options for traffic monitoring and law‑enforcement support that do not place an undue burden on taxpayers. Community input will be sought before any new contracts are considered.
As neighboring cities continue to rely on grant‑funded equipment, Oviedo’s experience highlights the importance of securing federal assistance before committing local resources to high‑cost technology.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
