The Princeton City Council has voted to end the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) within the city limits. The decision, passed by a 5-1 margin, directs the discontinuation of these surveillance tools. As a result, the city is returning twelve cameras to their respective manufacturers, comprising six units from Flock Safety and six from Motorola Solutions Vigilant.
During a special session held on Sept. 8, councilmembers and residents voiced their positions on the technology. Police Sgt. Crawford clarified that the Princeton Police Department does not currently operate any Flock or Motorola cameras in active service. However, the department holds six units of each brand that could potentially be deployed if the council had chosen to proceed with installation.
The vote effectively removes these devices from the city's operational inventory.
In the same Sept. 8 special session, the council also addressed the city's financial planning for the upcoming year. Officials set a proposed property tax rate increase of 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
This rate is part of the broader budget proposal that residents will have the opportunity to review and comment on during public hearings scheduled for later in the month.
A public hearing on the proposed city budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is set for Monday, Sept. 21. One week later, on Monday, Sept. 28, the council will hold a separate hearing specifically focused on the proposed property tax rate. These sessions provide a formal avenue for community members to offer feedback on the financial documents before final adoption.
