As the Veterans Memorial Swinging Bridge project nears closer to the finish line, the Winamac Town Council approved the purchase of two new security cameras to be placed on both ends of the bridge during their meeting Monday night.
The two 20 megapixel cameras with a 360° view will cost around $4,000 and will be placed in areas so the bridge, park and other surrounding areas can remain under surveillance. The cameras also offer 24 live video and audio so police can check for illegal activities without being present.
So far, $1,500 has been collected in donations with a possibility of more donations. A request was made for a sum of $2,370 to cover the rest of the expense. Council members were reminded that any money left over from the project funds would be going right back to the town for bridge maintenance funds, and if not approved, the cameras would still purchased out of project funds and that would lead to less money coming in to that maintenance fund.
The Winamac Town Council members agreed that there is a need for the security cameras and while it will not completely stop vandalism or people jumping off the bridges, it would be able to tell who is doing it.
A motion was made for the approval of up to $2,370 to be used for the purchase. If anyone else comes forth to donate, it would decrease the amount of the town’s contribution. The motion was passed unanimously by the Winamac Town Council.
