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Commissioners approve Axon body-worn camera contract and back state 1115 waiver support for MAT
Summary
Kennebec County commissioners voted to accept a contract for a body‑worn camera system compatible with the district attorney's system and separately authorized sending a letter supporting the state's 1115 waiver application that would expand access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Kennebec County commissioners voted to accept a contract for a body-worn camera system for the sheriff's office and authorized the county administrator to sign the agreement.
Sheriff's staff recommended Axon after field testing multiple vendors. "Axon seemed to be the best product for the money," the sheriff's representative said, and commissioners noted that using the same vendor as the district attorney's office would ease evidence sharing.
A motion to accept the contract was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Separately, commissioners considered supporting a federal 1115 Medicaid waiver application intended to improve access to medication-assisted treatment for people before and after incarceration. Commissioners asked the county administrator to draft a letter from the commission in support; the motion to send a letter of support was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: Procurement of a camera system that interoperates with the district attorney's evidence platform can streamline prosecutions and reduce format or compatibility issues. Support for the 1115 waiver signals the county's interest in expanding access to MAT in the jail and coordinating with state policy changes intended to aid continuity of care.
What's next: County staff will finalize the contract paperwork and coordinate implementation with the vendor and local IT; the county administrator will draft and send the letter supporting the 1115 waiver on behalf of the commission.
