Tuesday, DECEMBER 2, 2025 |
Photo – Saratoga Hot Pool – Courtesy Town of Saratoga
The Saratoga Police Department has been authorized to purchase and install additional surveillance cameras at the Hobo Hot Springs.
For centuries, Saratoga’s Hobo Hot Springs were used by Native tribes as a place of healing and peace. Later settlers carried on the tradition by ensuring the hot pools remain free to the public and open around the clock. However, despite increased patrols by Saratoga police, problems with drunkenness, vandalism, and indecent exposure continue to occur at the hot springs.
With those safety concerns in mind, Saratoga Police Chief John Moore requested authorization to purchase and install additional security cameras at the Hobo Hot Springs. During the November 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Chief Moore presented two quotes from Pine Cove Consulting, a Montana-based cybersecurity and communications firm.
Chief Moore reported that installing two Verkada-brand outdoor dome cameras facing the exterior of the men and women’s changing rooms would cost over $6,700.
Chief Moore presented a second Pine Cove quote to install a third camera overlooking the not‑so‑hot pool, an area currently lacking adequate camera coverage. The chief said the more advanced camera unit would add another $2,500 to the project cost.
Chief Moore added that waiting to purchase the third camera at a later date would increase the cost of installation.
Mayor Chuck Davis asked if the two locker room cameras could also cover the not‑so‑hot pool. Chief Moore explained that he had originally opted for a single camera capable of viewing in four directions. However, the locker rooms’ large overhangs would block its view of the entrances.
Chief Moore noted that the Hobo Hot Springs is currently monitored by just two cameras, one in the parking area and another facing the hot pool itself.
The police chief said the three new cameras will cost $9,293.26: $5,456.40 for the equipment and $3,836.86 for installation.
Town Clerk Jennifer Anderson expressed her support for the camera purchase, describing an incident where a custodian got into an altercation with a hot pool user. Clerk Anderson said the existing camera setup prevented her from monitoring the situation.
The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to approve the purchase and installation of three new cameras at the Hobo Hot Springs. The $9,293.26 expense will be covered by the hot pool capital improvement budget.
