Carroll County approves $73,234 Axon contract renewal for taser program

The Carroll County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a $73,234.11 contract renewal with Axon Enterprise Inc. on Oct. 9 to continue maintenance, certification and software support for the county’s taser program.

County officials said the renewal is part of a 10‑year agreement the sheriff’s office signed in 2021 that locked in pricing and covered warranties, software updates and accessories. The county’s procurement office told commissioners the purchase will be made using a competitively bid national cooperative contract and is included in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Sheriff’s Office representatives told the board that deputies do not frequently deploy the devices but that the taser remains an important less‑lethal tool that can prompt compliance when displayed. The sheriff said the earlier decision to lock pricing under the 10‑year contract had saved the county money relative to adopting newer, more expensive models.

During discussion commissioners asked about lifecycle planning for weapons and safety equipment and were told tasers and firearms are placed on life‑cycle replacement schedules so upgrades and replacements are budgeted in advance. The sheriff’s office said some newer taser models may eventually be phased in after this contract period if manufacturers stop supporting the older model.

Following the presentation, a commissioner moved to approve the contract renewal; the motion passed on an aye vote with the absent commissioner noted in the record.

The county will return to regular procurement budgeting at future budget hearings to address longer‑term equipment replacement needs.