SAN BENITO — Security cameras might be standing guard at the new San Benito Cultural Heritage Center.
Later today, city commissioners are expected to consider approving $19,113 to buy security cameras from Internal Control Systems.
The city is looking into installing security cameras along the exterior and interior of the new museum, Rey Avila, founder of the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum, said yesterday.
The $1.7 million, 6,932-square-foot building will house the Conjunto Hall of Fame and Museum and the San Benito History Museum. It remains unclear if it will also house the Freddy Fender Museum.
“It’s a city building, so they want to monitor who goes in,” Avila said. “They want to secure the premises. In case someone breaks in, they’ll have it on video.”
Avila said security cameras would help protect “priceless” artifacts such as the instruments of conjunto pioneers and relics belonging to the former Ideal Recording Co.
“A museum is like a bank — if something happens it’s on candid camera,” Avila said. “It’s a deterrent. If (thieves) see security cameras, they’re reluctant to go in.”
The city has not released the date in which the new museum will open.