The Bay City City Commission approved a five‑year renewal with Axon Enterprise Inc. for body‑worn camera hardware and software on Aug. 18, with a total five‑year cost the city listed at $299,773.80.

Commissioner Tenney moved to approve the renewal and Commissioner Runberg seconded. The contract lists annual amounts beginning at $55,346.36 for fiscal year 2026 and rising in subsequent years to reach the stated five‑year total.

During discussion, Commissioner Runberg asked whether the department had elected to participate in Axon’s customer experience program, sometimes described as a product‑improvement or AI training program. The director of public safety said the department is on "tier 1" and has not opted into a higher level of participation. "We're on tier 1," the director told the commission. "We have no intention of" participating in tier 2, the director said.

Runberg also asked whether the city uses any AI tools for report writing; the director said the department does not, noting only minor grammar aids are in use. "No. Grammarly is probably the closest thing we use," the director said.

Commissioners said they supported body cameras for transparency and officer accountability but asked for clarity about contracts and any future additions of AI features. The director said any change such as enrollment in a paid tier or use of AI tools would come back to the commission before execution because it would affect contract terms.

The motion passed (roll call recorded as unanimous among present commissioners voting for the item).