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Council approves purchase of two Skydio drones for police department

3087129 · April 23, 2025

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Summary

The council approved a $62,861.40 quote from Skydio Inc. for two drones to be used by the police department, with the department describing expanded capabilities and a shift away from DJI products.

Columbus City Council on April 21 accepted a quote from Skydio Inc. in the amount of $62,861.40 to purchase two drones for the police department (CIP No. 25-37).

Captain Doug Moltrich detailed the purchase during the meeting: the department originally budgeted for a larger DJI platform but sought U.S.-made alternatives because of procurement policy concerns about Chinese-manufactured equipment. Moltrich described Skydio drones as "state of the art," noting live-streaming capabilities to a command post, four battery packs per purchase, and potential future uses including autonomous rooftop housings and integration with Axon systems.

Council members requested a demonstration when the equipment arrives. The motion to accept the Skydio quote passed by voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tally by name.