Forney council approves Axon camera and drone contracts, raises shelter fees and updates staffing and open‑records contact

Forney — The Forney City Council on Nov. 4 approved a series of measures affecting public safety, city records and animal services, including two contract actions with Axon Enterprises Inc. to modernize police video systems and to establish a drone‑as‑first‑responder program.

Chief White, the Forney Police Department chief, told the council the Criminal Investigations Division’s interview‑room camera system is “outdated” and has at times been unreliable during interviews. He said the council‑approved purchase will consolidate video evidence storage with the department’s existing Axon body‑worn and in‑car systems and is budgeted for FY2026 at a five‑year cost of $89,068.40. Councilmember James Traylor moved to approve the contract; Councilmember Weatherford seconded. The motion passed.

The council then approved a separate Axon contract to implement a Drone‑as‑First‑Responder (DFR) program. Chief White said the department’s older DJI Mavic 2 drones no…