Ayer Finance Committee reviews $25,000 grant-funded Flock Safety camera program

AYER -- June 18, 2026, Ayer Finance Committee examines grant-funded Flock Safety camera program with no FY 2027 cost to the town. Police Chief Brian Gill told the committee Thursday that the town's deployment of five automatic license plate readers and three Flock Safety security cameras was funded entirely by a $25,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, which has already been invoiced and reimbursed. Town Administrator Robert Pontbriand confirmed the system carries no direct taxpayer cost in FY 2027 but said any renewal for FY 2028, estimated at roughly $25,000, would need to go through the police department's omnibus budget at town meeting. Committee members pressed on a contract provision allowing automatic rollover into a 36-month renewal term, and Gill committed to obtaining written confirmation from Flock Safety that the official contract start date would be tied to the system reaching full operational status, not to when paperwork was signed. The hardware is owned by Flock Safety and would be removed if the town opts not to renew.