Macedonia council reviews police 2026 capital plan; approves SRO vehicle purchase

City officials on Sept. 11 reviewed the police department’s portion of the proposed 2026 capital plan, focusing on funding for body-worn cameras, mobile data terminals (MDTs), computer-aided dispatch options and an additional marked vehicle for the school resource officer (SRO).

The city described a multi-year rollout: a line item for the 9-1-1 system was adjusted for 2026; MDT replacements were pushed to a later year; and the department expects to receive a multi-year body-camera grant. Staff said they applied for the current-year grant and have secured three years of funding so far.

Police and administration also discussed moving to the Axon integrated platform (Axon CAD and Axon in‑car systems), which the department said would integrate in-car systems, body cameras and evidence management. Staff told council the Axon CAD product is still in limited deployment and has been delayed; city staff said a 2026 implementation was possible but “more than likely” would slip to 2027. To avoid a gap, staff proposed setting aside cash in 2026 and delaying lease payments if the Axon launch is postponed.

The SRO vehicle was discussed in detail. Lieutenant Costello located a marked Dodge Durango offered with dealer incentives and trade value; staff said the dealership would sell the vehicle to the city for about $28,000 compared with a typical $48,000 out‑the‑door price. Council adopted a resolution authorizing the trade-in of a 2017 Ford Fusion and purchase of the vehicle, with staff noting the city would save approximately $20,000 if the transaction proceeds as described.

Council and staff emphasized the capital plan is a working document, subject to updates. Staff repeatedly described major items as “big ticket” and said timing and exact costs remain subject to supplier delays, grant awards and platform release schedules.

Discussion-only items: staff said dash and in‑car camera outfitting and vehicle outfitting timelines remain uncertain because of long lead times at specialized upfitters. Officers and the mayor noted officer discretion and operational needs will determine which vehicles are reassigned in the fleet when new purchases arrive.

What happened formally: council adopted a resolution authorizing the trade-in of the 2017 Ford Fusion and the purchase of the replacement vehicle for the SRO; the mayor and council members approved the resolution during the Sept. 11 meeting.

Why it matters: funding decisions and timing for equipment purchases affect patrol capability, school security and the city’s ability to operate a unified records and dispatch system once an integrated CAD platform is chosen. Staff and council signaled they will keep cash set aside while awaiting product availability and grant awards.

Ending: Staff said they will continue monitoring the Axon product release, finalize grant paperwork for body cameras and return to council with updated capital plan iterations as vendor and grant details firm up.