MIDDLETOWN While Hamilton is looking at installing red-light cameras as a revenue-generator, Middletown is considering whether it wants to continue the program.

Middletown City Manager Judy Gilleland said late Tuesday, June 10, there are some initial internal discussions of the city's options.

Gilleland declined to comment further on the future of the city's eight red-light cameras that went into operation in March 2005.

Police Chief Greg Schwarber said he recently completed a report for Gilleland to review on the issue.

According to city officials in the past have said the goal of the red light cameras are not to make money, but to reduce accidents and injuries.

However, city officials also have noticed "a significant decrease" in revenues to the city in 2007 compared to 2006.

Vehicles and license plates are caught on camera if they run the red light and before a civil citation is mailed, the photos are reviewed by a Middletown police officer who determines if a violation occurs.

While motorists do not receive violation points on theirdriving record, there is a civil fine of $100 that is assessed of which the city receives a portion. Failure to pay incurs additional $25 penalties.

In 2006, the city's share of the revenues amounted to $142,250, according to Finance Director Russ Carolus. He said the revenues dropped to $107,518 in 2007.

Carolus also said the vendor that originally installed the cameras, Peek Traffic Corp. of Florida was bought out by Traffipax Inc. of Maryland in May 2007.