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Chase County approves purchase of replacement public-safety drone
Summary
County commissioners authorized up to $16,000 from the local assistance contingency fund to buy a replacement drone for law enforcement and emergency operations ahead of a July 1 state restriction on certain foreign-made models.
Chase County commissioners voted April 30 to authorize the purchase of a replacement public-safety drone, approving up to $16,000 from the county’s local assistance contingency fund to buy a ready-to-fly package and support equipment.
The county’s public-safety presenters described the current drone as a large DJI M30T that has been in service since about 2021 and said state restrictions effective July 1 will bar future purchases of that brand. Commissioners approved a motion to spend no more than $16,000 to acquire a comparable system and accessory package so the county would not be without a capable drone when the state restriction takes effect.
The presenters said the county’s drone is used for searches, vehicle pursuits, flood and bridge inspections, fire spotting and incident overviews, and crime-scene and crash photography. They described thermal capability and long range as critical features for locating people and monitoring incidents in remote parts of the county. They also said domestic alternatives have either reduced capabilities or substantially higher prices.
A presenter described a written quote at about $15,224.56 for the drone plus optional 24/7 customer support and a ready-to-fly package; the motion authorized a modest buffer up to $16,000 to cover price fluctuations, shipping and add-on packages. Commissioners moved and seconded the purchase motion; the motion passed by voice vote.
County staff and presenters emphasized the operational need to keep a second drone available so tactical and emergency missions are not interrupted during repairs or battery swaps. No conditions or additional restrictions were attached to the approval.
The county’s planned purchase aims to ensure continuity of drone-supported public-safety operations while the state’s procurement rules take effect July 1.
