County explores Motorola's body camera proposal to replace Axon system

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a special and regular meeting on May 5, 2025, where key discussions centered on public safety technology upgrades and school funding.

A significant topic was the potential transition from Axon to Motorola for body and in-car camera systems used by law enforcement. The current contract with Axon costs approximately $800,000 annually, but Motorola has proposed a competitive alternative that could save the county $1.2 million over five years. This offer includes similar functionalities, such as body cameras and digital evidence management. Officials emphasized the urgency of finding a reliable solution, especially after a recent hard drive failure that compromised critical data. The board is currently vetting Motorola's proposal and plans to conduct thorough evaluations before making a final decision.

Additionally, discussions touched on the command bus project, which has faced delays due to budget cuts. The sheriff indicated that previous funding earmarked for the command bus could be reallocated if the project is deemed unnecessary. The estimated cost for the command bus is around $1.5 million, and officials expressed the need to act quickly to secure funding before prices potentially increase.

In terms of school funding, the board reviewed various projects, including technology upgrades and roofing maintenance. The county receives approximately $1 million annually from lottery funds, which is allocated for specific school projects. The board noted the disparity in funding compared to other counties, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining school infrastructure.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing public safety technology while navigating budget constraints and addressing educational needs. The board plans to continue discussions on these critical issues in upcoming sessions.