The Baltimore County Council on Nov. 2 approved a contract with a Dallas-based vendor to install and operate the county’s 15 speed cameras.

The council approved the contract with ACS State and Local Solutions by a 6-1 vote.

Councilman Bryan McIntire, the council’s lone Republican, voted against the contract, saying the county should have sought competitive bids rather than piggybacking on an existing ACS contract in Montgomery County.

Debate on the bill was punctuated by a heated exchange between McIntire and County Administrator Fred Homan over how much is being paid to ACS.

The county estimates the 15 speed cameras that will be placed in school zones around the county will generate more than $1.1 million in the first five months of operation. After expenses, the county would expect to see from that amount, $4,450 in revenues for that five-month period.

McIntire said that cost of operation equals about 95 percent of each $40 ticket — or nearly twice what Montgomery County pays.

The city of Bowie recently entered into a similar contract with ACS for four speed cameras and will pay $16.50 per ticket for the operation of its four speed cameras — the same amount as Montgomery County does for 60 cameras, McIntire said.

“If a little town in Prince George’s County can get a rate of $16.50, then why can’t we equal them?” McIntire asked.

Homan said the county had an opinion from the state attorney general saying that state law passed earlier this year prohibits the county from paying ACS on a per-ticket basis.

McIntire moved to table the contract.

“I want to see that opinion before I vote on (the contract),” McIntire said.

“Well, that’s your privilege, sir,” Homan said.

“You’re very condescending,” McIntire told Homan. “I appreciate it.”

McIntire’s efforts to table the vote failed when none of the other six councilmen would second the motion.

County officials said they intend to collect data over the initial term of the contract, which has two one-year renewals, and seek competitive bids for a new contract before the end of the two-year agreement with ACS.

County officials said the first cameras could be installed in early January.

Scrap-metal bill passed

Also on Monday, the council unanimously passed a bill that requires scrap metal processors to closely document scrap metal purchases. The records will be used to aid police in investigating scrap-metal thefts, according to Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson.

Baltimore County is the first to pass such legislation. County Executive Jim Smith supported a similar statewide effort but the General Assembly has failed to pass the law in each of the last two years.
 
Under the council bill, about 18 processors will be required to record driver’s license and vehicle information of each person who brings in scrap metal for sale. The materials will also have to be digitally photographed and held for three business days. The records will be then turned over to police on a daily basis.

Scrap-metal processors opposed the law, saying many of the requirements were unnecessary.

The new law will take effect June 1, 2010. County officials are hoping that in the interim, the General Assembly will pass a statewide version during the 2010 session, which begins in January.

This story has been updated.

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