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Board authorizes sheriff to sign five-year Axon body-worn camera contract
Summary
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors authorized the sheriff to enter a five-year contract with Axon for body-worn cameras, citing transparency and courtroom evidence. The board approved authorization to sign a contract not to exceed $106,906.80; payment timing and source of funds will be resolved at a later budget work session.
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors on a majority vote authorized Sheriff Richardson to enter into a five-year contract with Axon for body-worn cameras and data services, approving a contract “not to exceed a $106,906.80 for 5 years,” according to the motion the board adopted.
Sheriff Thomas Richardson told the board the department already owns its current Axon cameras but that manufacturers now require a subscription-style contract to cover devices, data storage and replacements. "When we started this program, it was started for transparency," Richardson said, adding the system helps resolve citizen complaints and aids the Commonwealth’s attorney in court.
The sheriff presented a contract proposal that he said totals roughly $106,906 (five years) and described alternative payment schedules the vendor offered, including an annual payment option. At different points in the discussion staff and the sheriff referenced an annualized cost and potential savings for paying upfront; the board agreed to resolve payment timing and the funding source during a budget work session.
Supervisor Moskowitz moved to authorize the sheriff to enter the contract and Supervisor Carter seconded. The motion passed and board members directed staff to determine which fiscal account will cover the first payment.
The board’s action authorizes signing the contract; it does not lock in a specific payment schedule. Miss Adams, the county administrator, told members the vendor had said payment could be made upfront, annually, or at the end of the term, and that the county could negotiate timing to fit the budget.
Clarifying details in the meeting record show minor inconsistencies in the dollar figures presented during discussion: the authorized motion cites $106,906.80 as the not-to-exceed total; other remarks by staff and the sheriff referenced annual amounts that varied when spoken aloud. The board recorded only the authorization to enter the contract and directed staff to return with budget details for payment timing.
The board did not adopt a specific appropriation at the meeting; members agreed to address payment details at an upcoming budget work session.
