TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) — Tallahassee city commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to suspend the city's use of automated license plate readers after residents raised concerns about privacy, misuse and harm to communities of color.
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW
Tallahassee city commissionThe suspension is indefinite as the technology cannot be reinstated unless the matter comes before the commission again.
David Derby, a Tallahassee resident, spoke during the meeting.
"It's a tool that's great to solve crime but what are we doing all this information gathering on its citizens. I mean, I'm really, really disappointed that we got this way. I'd also like to know like he asked. How did we get here?" Derby said.
The city's decision follows a state order to remove the technology from state roads.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office has also suspended its use of the readers.
Commissioners also ratified the employee agreement for new City Manager Karen Jumonville in a split vote Wednesday.
Jumonville will assume her duties Oct. 1.
Her contract includes a 5-year term, a $317,000 salary, a $1,000 monthly car allowance and a provision requiring a supermajority vote for termination.
Some residents and commissioners criticized the contract, arguing the salary was too high and that the supermajority termination requirement would limit the authority of future commission boards.
Resident Sean Thomas addressed the commission during the meeting.
"This is not about only salary. It's about accountability under the proposed agreement, a future commission could have a 3-2 majority an ordinary majority of an elected body and still be unable to remove the city manager," Thomas said.
Commissioner Jack Porter also raised concerns.
"The city manager, the role is administrative. It is to serve at the pleasure of the city commission who the voters of Tallahassee elect," Porter said.
Mayor John Dailey defended the contract terms.
"Right now, we have this awkward situation where we have four appointed officials. One is terminated by a super majority, and the other three are terminated by a simple majority. I said that then. I say it now. I don't think that's appropriate. Part of my job as the mayor outgoing of the city of Tallahassee is to make sure that I lead this city as an institution in the best possible shape,” Dailey said.
Commissioners also approved a tentative $983.5 million budget for next year while maintaining the current millage rate.
The next public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 23.
The budget does include some fee increases.
Residents will see a $1.49 per month increase for solid waste services and a $2.83 per month increase for water and sewer services.
City staff said the budget accounts for the potential passage of Amendment 3, which could cut revenue by $29 million over two years.
Porter said that while she supports the proposed millage rate, she doesn’t support the budget.
"I will support the proposed millage rate because I am concerned about the implications of Amendment Three if it passes but I do want to reiterate again that I don't really support this budget,” Porter said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
