Dear Editor,
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners is wrestling with options to increase revenue for handling solid waste from county residents. The July 9 edition of the Lake Oconee News covered the issue in the story, “County considers solid waste fees due to rising costs.”
Interim County Manager Byron Lombard “suggested the possibility of installing Flock license plate cameras at convenience centers, requiring residents to register vehicles to help identify unauthorized users, contractors, or out-of-county residents using the facilities without contributing to their cost.”
Sounds like a cost-effective method to ensure appropriate use of our convenience centers.
What could go wrong?
When Flock Nova was announced, it was discovered that Flock was using personal information gathered from data breaches. The company was building profiles on people using illegally obtained data.
Flock cameras are promoted as traffic-enforcement tools. However, Flock cameras have been installed at bike paths, nature trails, wilderness areas, community pools, reproductive clinics, schools and preschools, recreation centers, and children’s gymnastics rooms.
The July 10, 2026, edition of the Lake Oconee News featured the above-the-fold headline: “Deputy arrested and fired for misuse of Flock system.”
County commissioners must reject the idea of using Flock as an enforcement tool. The commissioners also need to consider the unintended consequences of whatever changes are implemented. The more barriers there are to convenient, safe, and cost-effective waste disposal, the more illegal dumping we will have blemishing our beautiful county.
Nonresident visitors to the county also need to be able to drop off their trash after enjoying a lake vacation.
I understand there are costs associated with handling solid waste from county residents. It is crucial for the Putnam County commissioners to find a solution that works logistically and economically — and does not surveil our residents.
Ann Laidlaw,
Eatonton