Kennebec County sheriff outlines $139,242 five-year proposal for body-worn cameras

Sheriff Mason told the Kennebec County commissioners that his office has tested three body-worn camera systems and is recommending a five-year Axon system that would supply 30 cameras and related cloud services.

Mason said the quote from Axon totals $139,242.40 over five years, with the initial year billed at $13,942.44 and annual costs thereafter roughly $31,340.49 per year. He said the package would allow replacement of worn cameras and would provide a few extras to cover broken units or temporary assignments outside patrol duties.

The sheriff said the county has discussed the proposal with the district attorney’s office and that evidence.com compatibility was a reason to prefer Axon. He described the procurement as a five-year purchase agreement with vendor-supplied updates and replacement clauses for degraded units.

Commissioners asked procedural and procurement questions: one commissioner noted county purchasing thresholds and asked that procurement follow policy and provide documentation for auditors; another commissioner asked whether the county would rent or buy equipment, and Mason responded that it is structured as a purchase with vendor servicing and replacement provisions.

Mason said the first-year cost fits under a $15,000 line item identified for fiscal 2026 and that the sheriff’s office will request ongoing funding in future budgets. He also said several local agencies that already use Axon/evidence.com are eager to adopt the same platform to streamline evidence handling.

The sheriff indicated the contract “should be before the commissioners to be finalized” and that staff are working with the county attorney and the DA’s office on final language. No final contract vote was recorded in the meeting transcript.

The commission asked staff to ensure the procurement record is complete for the county auditor and to present the final contract and budget adjustments when available.