Northampton Supervisors Approve Purchase of Audio/Video System for Board Chambers

Northampton County supervisors voted to move forward with the purchase of a new audio and video system for the Board of Supervisors meeting room following a lengthy discussion about transparency, public access and the potential drawbacks of broadcasting meetings on video.

County staff presented an updated quote totaling approximately $25,000, an increase from an earlier estimate because it includes a fixed camera and the equipment needed to integrate the video system with the county’s existing audio equipment. Staff confirmed the system will connect to the boardroom’s current speakers and amplifiers, eliminating the need for additional audio infrastructure.

The county had already budgeted $10,000 for audio equipment, leaving roughly $15,000 to be identified. Finance staff said the additional funding could come from salary savings created by vacant positions, available funds within the Information Technology maintenance budget if confirmed, or the county’s contingency fund, which currently has approximately $180,000 remaining.

County Finance Director Jon Chandler noted that if contingency funds are used initially, the money could later be reimbursed from another general fund source once budget adjustments are approved.

The discussion centered less on the cost than on whether meetings should include video in addition to audio recordings.

Supervisor Oliver Bennett expressed reservations about adding video, saying he feared it could invite unnecessary grandstanding during public comment and change the nature of board meetings.

“I don’t have no problem with the audio, but the visual,” Bennett said, adding that he believed video could create issues the county does not need.

Supervisor Jon Dempster argued that live streaming meetings would improve transparency and make county government more accessible to residents who cannot attend evening meetings because of work or family obligations.

“There are a lot of people who don’t have the time to make it to these meetings,” Dempster said. “I think in the effort of transparency, having the video is pretty equitable.”

Dempster noted that many residents are more likely to watch a livestream than listen to an audio recording.

The proposal includes a single fixed camera mounted above the meeting room that would provide a wide view of the entire board dais and the public podium. The camera will not be operated manually or zoom in on individual supervisors. A second camera, which could switch views between the podium and the board, was discussed but is not included in the current proposal.

Supervisor Ernest Smith voiced support for the project, saying he believes video would enhance government transparency.

“I don’t see anything wrong with the video,” Smith said. “I think we’d have more transparency if you had video and audio.”

Following discussion, the board approved the purchase on a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors Bennett and Betsy Mapp voting against, authorizing staff to proceed with the project and finalize funding through the county’s budget process. The board is expected to consider the necessary budget amendment at a future meeting.