MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—In a closely contested vote, the Marion City Council has approved a resolution to ban the use of Flock cameras, potentially ending the city’s reliance on the surveillance technology. The measure passed with a 5-4 vote, reflecting a deep divide among council members regarding the future of the city’s monitoring tools.
Council members voting in support of the ban were Aaron Rollins, Thad Smith, Nathan Stevenson, Scott Crider, and Dan Clark. Opposing the resolution were council members Shawn Barr, Bill Dichtl, Ralph Smith, and Pam Larkin.
The resolution now moves to the desk of Mayor Collins, who has 30 days to either sign the measure into law or exercise his veto power.
Speaking with Marion County Now, Mayor Collins indicated that he intends to prioritize public feedback before making a final determination.
“I will take my time and get out in the community to hear first hand what our constituents think and make my decision within my 30 day time frame,” Collins said.
Marion County Now will continue to provide updates as this story develops.