The South Bend Common Council has pushed back the vote on raising public records fees to August 11. The proposal would charge up to $150 for police bodycam and dashcam footage requests.

Supporters say the fee covers labor costs, but many residents showed up Monday night to oppose it, arguing the cost should be part of the city budget-not passed on to requesters.

Councilman Canneth Lee questioned if the fee aims to “disenfranchise poor people.” City Attorney Jenna Throw noted over half the requests come from businesses, not victims.

Council members debated the issue, with Libertarian Tom Cotton calling it a transparency problem.