Flock cameras are headed out of Excelsior Springs following a push from residents demanding their removal over privacy and surveillance concerns.

City council members recently voted unanimously to approve a resolution directing the city manager to terminate the Flock Safety agreement through a nonappropriation provision, discontinue use of the system and arrange for the cameras’ removal.

The decision followed an Oct. 5 council meeting where residents presented a petition containing 1,021 signatures and proposed measures seeking to end the city’s use of automated surveillance technology.

The city’s agreement with Flock Group Inc., dated Nov. 27, 2023, allows termination if the annual payment is not budgeted. According to the resolution, the fiscal year 2027 budget, approved Sept. 28, did not allocate funding for the agreement, allowing the city to terminate it with 30 days’ written notice and without penalty or additional cost.

Under the resolution, City Manager Melinda Mehaffy is directed …