City Oks Police Cameras, $11.5M Bond for Parks

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson City Council on Monday approved funding for new body cameras for all police and detention officers, and passed an $11.5 million bond issue for a pair of park improvements.

The cameras, from Getac (Prologic ITS), bring a $260,136.20 initial cost, with maintenance contracts for years 2-5 to include storage and extended warranties at an annual cost of $77,517.65. Some of the funding for the new cameras will come from a $179,174 grant from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

“It’s a game-changer for us,” said Anderson Police Chief Jim Stewart, adding that the updated cameras will offer a big upgrade from the current units and will work seamlessly with the dash cameras in law enforcement vehicles. The body cameras will also include tracking software which can prove useful to the solicitor’s office.

Anderson City Manager David McCuen said the new cameras are part of an ongoing effort to provide city police with the latest technology.

Council also gave final approval a measure to formally approve the issuing of a $11.5 million bond to help fund the Linley Park and Cater’s Lake projects. A move to limit spending on the Cater’s Lake work to $5.6 million also massed on Monday.

Also on Monday, council approved of a list of 31 tourism-related organizations to receive funds from the $282,394.20 ATAX Funds. A list of those receiving funds in the full agenda packet here.

Council also gave final approval a measure to formally approve the issuing of a $11.5 million bond to help fund the Linley Park and Cater’s Lake projects. A move to limit spending on the Cater’s Lake work to $5.6 million also massed on Monday.

The project at Cater’s Lake will transform the area with improvements throughout the park, including the lake itself including walking trails, landscaping, environmentally friendly islands in the pond for the ducks/geese, a covered bridge architectural structure to improve visuals, additional areas for picnic tables and grassy play areas, turning Hiawatha Drive into a cul-de-sac, to increase safety, and upgrades to East Mauldin Street.

“These projects will make our city a better place,” said Anderson County Councilman Greg Steele.

Greg Wilson