Evansville City Council Brief
Evansville City Council approved more than $3 million in community development funding this week, recognized the upcoming Juneteenth celebration, and heard public concerns over the city’s use of Flock license plate cameras.
Evansville’s City Council Meeting this week was held on June 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., with eight members present: Ben Trockman, Rita Taylor, Kendra Hatfield, Angela Koehler Lindsey, Mary Allen, Zac Heronemus, and Paul Green. Jim Brinkmeyer was absent. Most of the excitement was for the resolutions, as there was only one item on the regular agenda, which was unanimously adopted:
ORDINANCE F-2026-07: This ordinance approves the Annual Community Development Plan and appropriates funds. Approval of the Community Development Plan included over $3 million in total for homelessness services, public and non-public service, and HOME funds. Over $3 million in total were projected for the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant, and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs for the 2026 Program Year.
Notable Resolutions:
RESOLUTION C-2026-16: This resolution was the official announcement of the police force’s intent to enter into lease purchase agreements for 15 new police vehicles, which will cost $1.36 million. One community member asked if they could electrify the vehicles, saying that the upfront cost is more but the savings on maintenance fees and gas would make it worth it. The response was that the time and costs it takes to charge them is too much, but the idea is not completely off the table. It was unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION C-2026-22: The city’s official recognition of the seventh annual Juneteenth Celebration, a celebration for when enslaved people in Texas discovered they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Councilmember Rita Taylor spoke on the importance of this holiday, saying “it’s about freedom, it’s about community, and it’s about human dignity.” The Juneteenth event will be at Bayard Park on Friday, June 19, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, and more.
Public Comment:
There were several people to speak at this meeting, almost all of which recommended the city do something to get rid of Flock cameras, AI-driven cameras and Automated License Plate Readers. There are currently over 150 in Evansville used by the Police Department. Some reasons included the multiple instances of people using Flock’s data to stalk and harm others and the lack of privacy.
The next City Council Meeting will be Monday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m.
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