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Somerset commissioners approve moving Axon equipment upgrade toward 2025 budget
Summary
Commissioners agreed to include a proposed Axon equipment upgrade in the next budget cycle after staff described performance concerns with current Taser 7 units, an upgrade offer with a per-handle credit and time-limited discount, and a training plan tied to local agency participation.
The Somerset City Commission voted to move forward with budgeting for an upgrade of the city’s conducted-energy devices and related Axon equipment after staff described performance issues with the department’s current Taser 7 units and outlined a vendor offer. The vote directs staff to work contract and budget details for the 2025 cycle.
Police department staff said the department has been unhappy with the current Taser 7 units, which they described as having limited effective range and inconsistent probe contact. "The performance is subpar," Speaker 2 said, and explained that the vendor offered an upgrade path to a newer model discussed in the meeting as the Taser 10 along with a financing structure that spreads payment over five years. "They're giving us the reason I'm bringing it to you now, they're giving us a $500 credit per handle. They're giving us a 10% discount but that offer expires at the end of this year," Speaker 2 said.
Why it matters: commissioners must weigh safety needs, warranty and maintenance history, and multi-year payment commitments before authorizing formal purchases. Staff said warranties on existing units are ending and several issued devices have required return-to-vendor repairs.
Staff also described training and instructor options tied to the vendor proposal. Speaker 2 described a vendor-offered two-day instructor course and said if the city hosts training and fills seats with regional agencies, the city would receive a training credit that would offset part of the cost. "They will fly their trainers out, and provide the training so we can have five trainers trained here in house," Speaker 2 said, adding that local participation could reduce the net training expense.
Commission action and next steps: Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to include the proposed Axon equipment and associated costs in the 2025 budget process and to authorize staff to finalize contract details. The motion carried by voice vote. The commission did not adopt a final multi-year contract at the meeting; staff will return with final contract language and budget appropriation details.
Context and limits: the commission’s decision at this meeting was limited to moving the purchase into the budget process and does not finalize purchase order, financing terms or training arrangements. Any multi-year payment plan or long-term commitment will require formal contract approval in a subsequent meeting.
