The Marshall County Council voted 5-2 on Monday, October 12, to approve a resolution declaring the county’s Flock Safety agreement canceled effective December 31, 2026.
The agreement covers six automated license plate recognition cameras in unincorporated areas of Marshall County.
Council members Tim Harman, Brandon Schadek, Will Patterson, Deborah Johnson and Nicole Cox voted in favor. Jim Masterson and Greg Compton opposed the resolution.
The decision follows a September vote to remove $20,000 in contract-services funding from the prosecutor’s proposed 2027 budget.
Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman challenged the council’s authority, arguing that it was interfering with a contract to which it was not a party. Chipman maintained that the agreement is paid through a restricted judicial user fee fund and questioned the council’s authority over the contract.
Council attorney Marcellus Leppin disagreed, arguing that public funds must be appropriated by the council, regardless of their source.
The debate also included concerns about public surveillance and the cameras’ value to law enforcement. Supporters said the technology helps investigations, while opponents raised concerns about privacy and potential misuse of collected information.
Under Resolution 2026-9, the council’s attorney must notify Flock Safety of the cancellation within 10 days. The resolution also calls for preserving necessary investigative records, removing the cameras and ending county access to the system.
The cameras may continue operating through the remainder of 2026 using previously appropriated funding.