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Council reauthorizes $2.5 million bond for police body cameras and tasers after administrative fix
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Summary
The council reauthorized a previously approved $2.5 million bond for police body-worn cameras and tasers on Nov. 17 after staff discovered the project had not been included in the FY capital improvement plan; bond counsel requested reapproval. The funding is part of a larger ~$7.2 million package.
The Springfield City Council on Nov. 17 reauthorized a $2.5 million bond for police body‑worn cameras and tasers after city staff said the item had been omitted from the fiscal‑year capital improvement plan.
Kathy Bono (city staff) told the council the equipment package was part of a larger funding package of about $7.2 million that used free cash, PAYGO and police donation accounts. She said the city has not issued the debt or spent the bond funds and that bond counsel asked the council to reapprove the authorization so the project appears in the capital plan.
"It was an error on our part," Bono said. "We haven't issued debt, and they haven't expended any money on the bond yet."
Councilors asked for a breakdown of per‑unit costs and how the package would be paid over time; Bono said she would provide details on per‑camera and per‑taser costs upon request. Councilor Davila pressed staff on whether the bond had already been issued; Bono said it had not and estimated debt issuance would likely occur in about a year.
The council reauthorized the bond by roll call. No immediate purchases or debt issuance were reported during the meeting; the action reestablishes the financing authorization pending standard issuance procedures.
