Broome County officials are calling for the Binghamton City Council to approve public safety funding they deem "critical."

In a statement, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar, Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti and various Binghamton police officers called for a vote by council members to approve $66,000 in funding to the Binghamton police for "the installation of cameras in high-crime areas of the city." The officials say the funding from the DA's office was approved by the Broome County Legislature, but city council members have not supported a similar vote.

"This funding would support critical public safety upgrades in some of the highest-crime areas in Broome County," Kraham said. "Residents deserve these kinds of investments in the 21st century tools and technology that deter crime, bring justice to victims and their families, and keep neighborhoods safe."

Council Member Kinya T.S. Middleton, representing the city's Second District, told Spectrum News 1 that the council is weighing the pros and cons of the funding.

"A lot of people spoke out against it and made us look at it more," Middleton said. "We understand the public safety aspect to it, but there are other aspects to consider, too. We just wanted to do more research."

The next council meeting is Wednesday night at 6 p.m.