Hamilton City Council democratic support service manager Anthony Dick said the open part of ordinary council meetings, excluding breaks, would be transmitted. Committee meetings would not be broadcast.
Councillor Angela O'Leary, who has led the charge for webcams, said councillors had been told shots of them "doing interesting things" would be possible as no guidelines had been set.
"We asked if someone was asleep could they view them, and they said it was possible."
Ms O'Leary was pleased the public could finally tune into important debates.
"This is about transparency and accountability. Ratepayers can now see how the people they've elected vote, debate and behave.
"Often people only get half the story on issues under discussion at council, but this will give a 100 per cent, factually correct record of who said what."
The costs have come out higher than the $10,400 estimated in April.
Ms O'Leary said paid advertisements could cover costs in future, and the medium could promote city events.
Hamilton City is the third council to adopt the technology, and is using a system developed the New Plymouth District Council, which has three cameras that zoom in on speakers.
Councillor Pippa Mahood was "ambivalent" about the move and said it wasn't on her priority list.
"Was it something I felt an urgent thing to do when we are looking at being so careful with our funding at this stage? No.'
