County board amends Axon dash-camera contract language but tables final approval amid funding questions

LaSalle County Board members on Sept. 1 moved to amend the term language in a proposed contract to purchase dash cameras for the sheriff’s department from Axon Inc., but then tabled final approval after questions about which fund would cover the cost and whether the county needed a finance-committee review. The board was considering a single-bid award originally reported at $110,000.99; county staff said the vendor’s later paperwork reflected a lower total of $106,634.48 because of timing differences and recommended altering the contract term to 47 months (effectively a four-year term) so the paperwork matched the vendor’s documents. Mister Herman confirmed Chief Deputy Ortiz preferred a four-year term. When the amendment motion passed, Miss Bush asked directly: “Do we know where we’re paying for this from? Nobody knows where the money's coming from?” County staff said the item had been discussed in public-safety committee but had not been routed to finance, and Finance committee review would be required before the full board could authorize spending. Several members said the contract might be lost if delayed because an Axon quote had an expiration date (the quote expires 09/15). Board members debated whether to approve immediately to avoid losing the quote or to follow the committee flow (public safety then finance then full board). Given the uncertainty about funding source and the committee path, a motion to table the amended contract carried. The board recorded that the matter should be forwarded to the finance committee or placed on the finance agenda so the funding source and budget approval can be confirmed before executing the contract.