Linton’s $16,000 Livestream Controversy: Investing in the Future or Overcharging Taxpayers?

Linton, IN — The City of Linton recently installed a $16,000 livestreaming system to broadcast public meetings, fulfilling the requirement under Indiana’s House Bill 1167, which mandates livestream access by July 2025. While some residents question whether the city could have spent less, others say the investment was responsible and well-researched.

✅ The Case for the Investment

Supporters of the decision point to the city’s transparency and thorough process. Documents released by the city show that officials reviewed multiple quotes over an extended period. Bids ranged from around $8,000 to $16,000, with lower-cost options often tied to recurring annual fees and additional service contracts. The city ultimately selected the $16,000 one-time package that avoided ongoing costs.

Jared Albright, the salesperson from Force Technology Solutions — the company awarded the job — said he worked closely with Gary Tannehill, who oversees the city’s technology systems, to identify a solution that balanced quality and sustainability.

The cities goal was to provide something that was easy to use and would last for years to come. Choosing to invest in quality over cheaper less durable options.

💸 The Case for a Less Expensive Alternative

Despite the city’s process, some believe similar functionality could have been achieved for significantly less.

Many smaller organizations — including churches, schools, and nonprofits — use free software like OBS Studio combined with affordable cameras, microphones, and encoders to build livestream systems for $2,000 to $5,000. These setups require some technical know-how but offer flexibility and professional results at a fraction of the cost.

Other technology experts say this:

“You can now build a high-quality livestream system with off-the-shelf gear and still have professional audio and video,” said one AV systems consultant. “This looks like a case where brand names and vendor markup drove up costs unnecessarily.”

⚠️ Concerns About Political Ties

While the procurement process included multiple bids, some residents have raised questions about appearances of favoritism, noting that Jared Albright previously served as campaign manager for Mayor John Preble .

No evidence of wrongdoing has surfaced and Mayor Preble and the city were very forthcoming with all information requested regarding this deal, but some have expressed concern that even the appearance of political entanglement can erode public trust.

It is also important to note that all of the Linton City Council members voted unanimously for the purchase of this equipment and Mayor Preble merely presented the option.

🧾 Final Thought

The city now has a fully installed, functional livestream system that meets state law and provides the public with direct access to local governance. The purchase was based on a transparent process with multiple bids considered.

Still, the conversation has highlighted a broader question: How much should small towns spend on technology — and how can they balance quality with stewardship of public funds?