Hagerstown City Council to vote on speed camera contract extension next week

During the recent Hagerstown City Council work session, officials discussed the extension of the speed camera contract with Altima, which is set to expire soon. The current contract, which has been in place since January, will be extended until June to allow for a smooth transition to a new agreement. The proposed new contract will see an increase in monthly fees from $2,800 to $3,499, but officials assured that this change would be cost-neutral, as fees are only paid after revenue is collected from the tickets issued.

The speed camera program, which operates 12 sites and issues approximately 25,000 tickets annually, is expected to benefit from upgraded equipment under the new contract. These upgrades aim to enhance the quality of the images captured, addressing concerns about clarity that have arisen over the years. City officials expressed confidence in the partnership with Altima, noting that both the police chief and the program manager support the new terms.

In addition to the speed camera discussions, the council approved a letter to be sent to federal representatives advocating for the tax-exempt status of advanced refunding bonds and municipal bonds. This move is intended to support the city's financial strategies.

Looking ahead, the council highlighted upcoming community events, including a neighborhood cleanup scheduled for April 24, which aims to engage residents in maintaining the city's cleanliness. The event is part of Earth Week activities, and volunteers are encouraged to participate.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety through improved technology while also fostering community involvement in local initiatives. The council will vote on the speed camera contract extension next week, paving the way for future improvements in the program.