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Weston County OKs $83,374 vehicle, authorizes officer training and approves $170,000 camera system
Summary
The Weston County Board approved replacing a sheriff’s vehicle for its K‑9/opioid program at $83,374.24, authorized up to 14 seats of Blue‑Jewel training funded by opioid settlement money (cap $20,000) and approved a contract for a new detention‑center camera system not to exceed $170,000.
The Weston County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 19 approved three public‑safety items presented by the sheriff’s office: a replacement officer vehicle, a training authorization paid from opioid settlement funds and a multiyear camera system contract.
Dan Fields of the Weston County Sheriff’s Office asked the board to replace a failing patrol vehicle with a fully outfitted Ford F‑150 for the county’s opioid‑fund canine operations. The county recorded the purchase price as $83,374.24. A motion to approve that amount from the county’s PO plan was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Fields also proposed using opioid settlement funds to host a Blue‑Jewel training course for local law enforcement. Commissioners were given a cost estimate ranging from $12,000 (if outside agencies fill seats) to $20,000 if Weston County covers all 14 seats. Commissioners discussed making attendance mandatory for county officers to protect the county’s investment and reduce no‑show risk; the board authorized up to 14 seats and capped the county payment at $20,000 from the opioid fund.
Finally, sheriff’s staff presented competing quotes and installation estimates for upgrading the detention‑center and annex camera systems. Staff cited a vendor equipment package (named in the transcript as Verkada for equipment) and that installation costs can approach equipment costs. After discussion about warranties, phased installation, integration with future courthouse upgrades and procurement checklists, the board approved moving forward with the vendor named in the packet (transcript identifies the proposer as "Recata") with a not‑to‑exceed figure of $170,000 to come from tribal/ARPA funds; the scope includes a 10‑year maintenance plan.
The commissioners discussed staged implementation to prioritize the jail, contract review to avoid repeating past installation problems, and checking that warranties and long‑term maintenance were included in the agreement. The board directed staff to pursue contract language and to consider legal review for long‑term maintenance obligations.
What’s next: The sheriff’s office and procurement staff will finalize the vendor contract and schedule phased installation. The training dates will be set for 2024 after seat commitments are secured and the county verifies whether the course will be open to outside agencies to offset costs.
