Dearborn Heights council approves $2.16 million Axon contract; council to use forfeiture funds and seek grants

The Dearborn Heights City Council approved a five‑year technology contract with Axon totaling $2,155,529.50 to upgrade the police department’s body‑worn cameras and related systems.

Police officials presented contract terms and funding plans, and an Axon representative described grant and implementation options. Council and finance staff said the current forfeiture fund balance (~$1.15 million) would be drawn down to cover initial costs, with the expectation of annual forfeiture receipts that could replenish the balance over time. Finance staff cautioned that the contract will exhaust a large portion of the current balance over the five‑year term but projected recurring forfeiture receipts and potential grant offsets.

Council members pressed for grant‑seeking and asked staff about long‑term affordability. “We’re using the forfeiture funds for this so there’s no general‑fund impact this year,” a finance representative explained, noting expected annual forfeiture revenue but also that those amounts can be delayed by federal or judicial holds.

Supporters said the technology investment would modernize evidence collection and officer safety; critics urged caution about exhausting designated funds and highlighted the uncertain timing of forfeiture receipts. Council voted to approve the Axon contract and authorized signature and payment arrangements as outlined in the agenda (motion carried). Administration said it will pursue MMRMA and other grants and monitor forfeiture receipts to sustain the program going forward.