Correction: a typographical error has been corrected on the price for police cameras, $247,952.80
Richland City Council will meet in a virtual workshop on Tuesday to discuss the budget, the plan for police cameras and the allocation of millions from the American Rescue Plant Act.
Instructions for watching the meeting are at the top of the agenda.
Richland city staff wants guidance from the council on how to spend over $7 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). At the top of the list is $1.5 million to pay utilities for residents and businesses in Richland who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Staff recommends $2.6 million to beef up broadband infrastructure, $250,000 for small business assistance. Also on the list is $3 million for a sewer extension to North Horn Rapids to enhance industrial development.
The money has to be allocated by 2022 and spent by 2024.
The Washington State Legislature passed bills during the 2021 session to require electronic recording of custodial interrogations. The police need cameras to accomplish that.
Richland Police Chief Bruce proposes 68 body worn cameras, 27 dashboard cameras and 5 interview rooms plus back office tools and storage. The “subtotal” for all of these is $247,951.80. This isn’t the first time that the use of the word “subtotal” has been confusing. Hopefully, the workshop discussion will provide more information.
The amount is approximately the amount that the city will receive in a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The council will also hear a mid-year financial report that will include a comparison of revenue and expenditures.