Kamenetz: Speed Camera Contract Good Deal for the County

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.