Board approves $150 deposit allowance for inspectors, discusses body cameras and mileage reimbursement for secretary/treasurer

Inspector Ossiris Lynch proposed operational changes at the May 3 meeting, including allowing appointment deposits to facilitate booking with some unlicensed barbers, use of body cameras for inspections, and provision of identification cards for inspectors. Lynch said deposits typically ranged from $10 to $60 and suggested the Board document them; Mr. Chavez suggested a $150-per-year cap and Mr. Azzam moved to approve $150 for deposits, a motion the Board approved unanimously.

On body cameras and state-issued IDs, Antinette Maestas explained the Board's staff are not state employees and thus cannot receive state-issued IDs; Ms. Maestas said IDs could be made but not state-issued. Lynch said he would research body-camera costs and return with details. Separately, Raymon Green asked about mileage reimbursement for commuting to the office to approve payroll; Deputy Attorney General Joseph Ostunio said a set mileage fee was permissible if it complied with statute and the Board approved reimbursing Green for mileage.

Board members asked staff to return with specific cost estimates and administrative procedures before implementing body cameras or a reimbursement schedule.