Geneva council authorizes five‑year lease for 15 TASER 10 units after questions on emergency purchase

The City of Geneva council on Dec. 8 authorized the city manager to enter into a multi‑year agreement to provide 15 TASER 10 units for the police department, including hardware, software, services and warranties.

City Manager Marquette relayed that the police chief recommended moving to the TASER 10 platform and that the contract is structured as a five‑year agreement with an annual cost reported at $15,998.80. The police chief told council the department’s current devices are obsolete, manufacturers will no longer service them and certification/training that the contract covers (including a class in February) make expedited procurement advisable.

Councilors questioned the emergency nature of the authorization and the total five‑year cost (about $80,000). The police chief said leftover levy funds from a previous body‑camera contract would cover the initial costs and that moving quickly would allow officers to be certified in the department’s February training session. "We need to get this done," the police chief said during the discussion.

After motions to waive three readings and to declare the resolution an emergency, the body approved Resolution No. 3653 on roll call. Council discussion included clarification that the city is entering a lease contract (not a straight purchase) with expected renewal/turnover terms at the end of the lease.

The city manager said the first year of costs will be charged to the 2025 budget with the remainder to be budgeted in 2026. Staff were directed to complete contract execution and ensure training scheduling and funding align with departmental certification needs.

No amendments to the resolution were recorded in the meeting minutes; councilors asked for follow‑up on contract execution and budget accounting.