The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate passed a resolution Tuesday condemning State College Borough Council for approving surveillance cameras downtown, but rejected the notion of informing state authorities of Penn State's financial backing.

State appropriations form about 31 percent of Penn State's general budget. The university has offered to pay for half the cost of the cameras -- up to $10,000.

"I do strongly feel we would be shooting ourselves in the foot by going to state authorities ... and harming our source of revenue," Town Sen. Bill Knauss said.

Town Sen. Mike Yohannan said it would not make sense to ask the state for money, and then tell representatives the university is "misusing money."

"If we go to the state legislators and say, 'This is what they're funding,' they're going to care so little it's unbelievable," Yohannan said.

Town Sen. Kristen Kofmehl said it is not the Senate's place to tell state authorities.

Town Sen. Brian Battaglia told Kofmehl that students tried to work together with the council before their vote on Monday.

"Do you think that the Mr. Nice Guy approach worked [on Monday]?" Battaglia asked.

Senate President Michelle Wood said the resolution would show "that Senate means business."

Although Senate cut out the part of the resolution that would inform the state legislators, the final legislation states USG should attempt to receive a guarantee from university officials that funds will not be used for the off-campus cameras.

The final resolution passed by a vote of 23-1-2.

Battaglia said even though the council already approved seeking bids for the cameras, it hasn't voted on officially installing them.

"So it's still a legitimate concern for students," Battaglia said.

The resolution says the cameras would "create a negative and mistrustful environment for students and State College residents."

The legislation also says "it is irresponsible to use state, tuition or other university funds in a scheme to monitor students' personal lives."

Several USG members spoke out against the camera plans before the council's vote on Monday.

In a referendum vote on this month's USG election ballot, students voted against surveillance cameras by a 4:1 ratio.

Council voted in favor of the cameras, 4-3 decision. Council President Richard McCarl, and council members Cathy Dauler, Jean McManis and James Meyer voted in favor of the plan.

Tom Daubert, Elizabeth Goreham and Janet Knauer voted against the installation. Council will vote on whether to install the Beaver Canyon cameras at its May 5 meeting.