Lindsborg residents gathered in City Hall on Tuesday to voice their concerns about the extension and or expansion of the Flock camera system. Lindsborg currently has three automatic license plate readers in town and is considering adding more.
Several people stepped forward to voice opposition to the technology. Lindsborg resident, Brandon Burch spoke at the podium and urged the city to make a comprehensive review of the system – mixed with public opinion on Flock Safety and ALPRs before extending the contract.
According to Burch, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has said, “Americans must compromise between privacy and safety.” Burch then added a quote from founding father Benjamin Franklin saying, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety.”
Police departments around the nation say Flock cameras provide agencies with photographs of vehicles in public spaces and do not have facial recognition or mass surveillance capabilities. No action was taken regarding the Flock system. The opposition was expressed during a public comment session.
In other action: Lindsborg homeowners will see stable property tax bills next year after the city council approved the 2027 budget. The new revenue-neutral property tax mill levy is set at 48.977 mills, lower than the county’s rate.
Officials say a half-cent Emergency Medical Services sales tax that started April 1st helped reduce the levy. The budget includes $250,000 for street sweepers, $50,000 for a police vehicle, and funds for a multi-purpose truck. Applications for a vacant council seat are open until September 15.
