County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said Tuesday that he believes a new speed camera contract before the County Council is a good deal for the county.
Kamenetz made his comments following a news conference in Annapolis where he rolled out his and just hours before the council is to hold its .
"There is no chance that the county can lose money or dip into county funds," Kamenetz said.
currently receives $12,000 per camera per month. Patch reported last year that the county pays the vendor about collected by the county.
In October, Kamenetz, appearing on WYPR, told Dan Rodricks that the contract was .
"No, I don't think we have a good deal," Kamenetz said. "The problem with the contract is we pay a set amount."
Under the proposed contract, ACS would continue to lease cameras to the county but would be paid about $19 per ticket on every fine paid to the county.
The company was not the only bidder. Information about the number and identity of the other companies that bid on the contract was not immediately available. A county spokesman said the other bidders were disqualified—many because they lacked necessary certifications required by state law.
Kamenetz said the new contract, which allows for adding seven new speed cameras and seven new red light cameras by June, takes advantage of a new attorney general's opinion allowing counties to pay contractors a percentage of the fines collected.
He said that the original contract was based on a different opinion that prohibited that practice.
Several council members said they intend to during today's work session.
HOW ABOUT SOMEONE FROM THE SUNPAPER OR PATCH FORCE THE ISSUE, AND GET A STATEMENT FROM KAMENETZ! IT IS ABSURD THAT HIS ONLY REMARK ON THIS ISSUE WAS "NO COMMENT". EVEN BETTER, CAN ANYONE ADDRESS WHAT I READ ABOUT KEVIN KAMENETZ WHO APPARENTLY "RETIRED" FOR ONLY ONE DAY BEFORE RE-ENROLLING IN THE PENSION PROGRAM TO COLLECT YET A 2ND PENSION....IS THIS LEGAL? WHERE IS THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING? PERHAPS THE PATCH, THE SUNPAPER, OR EVEN IN THE INFAMOUS JANE MILLER SHOULD DIG A BIT INTO THIS STORY.
Mr. Kamenets promised more transparency in county government and here is just one of those issues as seen by the Sun Editorial Board. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-md-co-council-pensions-20111224,0,5402793.story As to the article here are some conflicting statements: ""There is no chance that the county can lose money or dip into county funds," Kamenetz said." Then there is this: "No, I don't think we have a good deal," Kamenetz said. "The problem with the contract is we pay a set amount." This is concerning due to the fact that the county has and is doing business with this company and one would think they would know the details of these contracts: "Information about the number and identity of the other companies that bid on the contract was not immediately available. A county spokesman said the other bidders were disqualified—many because they lacked necessary certifications required by state law." On the bright side there is this from the story: "Several council members said they intend to scrutinize the proposed contract's payment and fee arrangements during today's work session." Those are the "Facts" and you can "Check" them out.
You are very articulate and seem knowledgeable in this matter. My knowledge is limited to the article and it will be a wait and see on the other aspect. We have some major developments coming up on the east side that will call into play some serious issues in the county's involvement. There are a host of issues over the years that have left me scratching my head. The recent appointment of Mrs. Almond as the chairwoman of the council could be significant. There were some telltale signs indicating some interesting times ahead.
OR We can keep fighting the power and be prepared for their abuse.
When this east side story breaks it could cause tremors to Towson and beyond but it falls in line with this administration and the systemic way they operate.