As Troy officials held their first hearing on the city’s budget proposal, Mayor Carmella Mantello has formally vetoed a Flock camera law passed by the city council earlier this month.
In her veto message, Mantello said the law is biased in favor of criminal defendants and undermines the police department’s ability to investigate and solve crimes.
The law includes erasing data after 72 hours unless the defense requests that it’s preserved. Mantello, a Republican, said that infringes on the police chief’s ability to manage their force.
City Council President Sue Steele, a Democrat, said the veto was expected, and that the council is set to override the veto at a meeting next Thursday.
“She was never willing to listen to the concerns of citizens,” Steele said of Mantello. “Frankly, I’m not sure she even knew what she vetoed because her message is factually incorrect. The council incorporated law enforcement’s concerns in much of the law. It is a solid compromise.”
The budget, meanwhile, totals a little more than $131 million and features a 3.4% property tax increase. Mantello said the city is pausing hiring outside of police and fire departments.
City officials said they continue to see increases in health insurance and retirement costs.