Sept. 21--SAN BENITO -- The city will spend $90,000 to install 64 surveillance cameras, half at City Hall and half at two fire stations to "monitor everything that goes on inside and outside" those buildings, the mayor said Thursday.
The city's new $10.7 million general fund budget includes money for the cameras, which Mayor Joe Hernandez said are for security and "the protection of everyone."
"We're trying to add security measures all the way around to provide a more secure work environment," Assistant Police Chief Michael Galvan said.
Hernandez said suspicion of dishonesty by city workers is not the reason for purchasing the cameras.
There have been at least two cases in recent years in which San Benito city employees have been accused of theft.
This July, three employees of the city's water department were fired after being accused of theft of asphalt millings, authorities said. In 2010, a wastewater treatment plant employee was accused of using city money to pay for repairs to his car, officials said.
The outcome of those cases were not immediately available late Thursday. Assistant City Manager Chuck Jalomo said cameras will also be installed at the city's service center, where heavy equipment and supplies are stored.
Hernandez said the city's water system is vulnerable because, "anyone can dump a dangerous chemical there."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommended that cities install surveillance cameras about three years ago, Hernandez has said.
City Hall workers handle cash, and they could be robbed, Hernandez said.
"It's a necessity because there's money being handled," Hernandez said. "When there's cash, you never know who's going to come in."
City Manager Manuel Lara did not return telephone calls about the camera purchase.
Galvan said cameras help protect crime victims who come to the police department for help.
"It's not only for employees but for citizens who come into the building," Galvan said. "A lot of times citizens look at this as a safe haven. Sometimes we have citizens who show up and they're being chased by suspects."
Assistant City Manager Art Rodriguez said the city's technology department was overseeing the camera installation.
Consultant Kevin Putegnat of Valley IT Solutions said a confidentiality agreement prohibited him from disclosing the project's details.
Copyright 2012 - Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas
