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Austin County approves replacement tasers for sheriff's office after funding debate
Summary
The commissioners approved a roughly $108,000 replacement for 25 Axon tasers, agreeing to pursue a five-year, interest-free payment plan and to consider SB22 fund use for the first payment; approval was contingent on permitted payment coding.
The Austin County Commissioners Court approved a purchase to replace the sheriff's aging taser fleet after the sheriff explained many current devices no longer work and manufacturers no longer support the old model.
Sheriff's office leadership presented an Axon quote totaling about $108,000 to replace approximately 25 devices and said Axon would offer a five-year interest-free payment plan (roughly $22,000 per year). The sheriff also said Axon would buy back obsolete models to remove them from service.
Commissioners discussed funding options and competing priorities for SB22 grant money, which the court previously earmarked largely for additional patrol vehicles. County staff said they would check whether SB22 funds can be used for a lease-purchase payment schedule; if not, the court agreed to revisit funding at the next meeting and to code the payments to Capital Outlay if necessary.
After a motion to approve the purchase contingent on the payment plan being permitted, the court voted in favor and carried the motion. The sheriff said warranties and buyback terms were included in the vendor package and staff pledged to confirm warranty lengths and the SB22 eligibility for installment payments.
