Concerned citizen Harris offers county camera advice

Bandera Bulletin
Sep. 14, 2005

Concerned citizen Bobby Harris disputed the efficacy of a proposed camera system at each of the county's compactor stations during last week's Bandera County Commissioners' Court. Harris said that a single camera would not be sufficient in securing a station from loss or theft.

During a special meeting on Aug 8, Precinct 2 Commissioner Ronnie Basinger prompted the need for a surveillance system, due to a six-month loss in revenue at the Lakehills dump station. He estimated that a single, VHS camera without sound recording would cost approximately $800. Precinct 1 and 4 Commissioners Bruce Eliker and Doug King said that they would like to see the same system installed in the Pipe Creek and Bandera stations, as well.

Harris, who cited his experience as a design/engineer consultant for a security company during the 1980s, said that the camera system Basinger proposed would not do an adequate job.

He advised commissioners during the public forum of their regular meeting on Sept. 8 that any and all losses should be fully analyzed to determine their origins.

"I was big brother," Harris said. "I'm not just a barking watchdog, I'm a biting watchdog."

Harris offered commissioners a free consultation to discuss other options regarding security.