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Newton County OKs five-year, $205,135 contract with Axon for body and in-car cameras
Summary
The commissioners approved a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. worth $205,135.51 to provide body‑worn and in‑car video systems for the sheriff’s patrol division; county staff will work with the auditor and attorney on procurement compliance.
The Newton County Commissioners Court voted to approve a five‑year, $205,135.51 contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. to supply body‑worn cameras, in‑car video systems and related software and accessories for the sheriff’s patrol division.
The sheriff told the court the department currently uses only body cameras worn by deputies and cannot always capture an entire incident. "Right now, they only have body cameras ... can't capture the whole thing," the sheriff said, adding that in‑car video would serve evidentiary needs and could reduce liability and litigation costs. He also said switching to a different vendor could be substantially more expensive: "If we switch to WatchGuard, you're looking at doubling ... you're looking half $1,000,000," he said.
Courtney, a county staff member, asked whether Axon was listed on the county's purchasing (buy) board and whether the county needed to solicit additional bids or quotes for a contract of this size. "I wondered if Axon was on the buy board or if we needed to actually get, bids or quotes for such a large amount," Courtney said. County staff said they would verify the buy‑board status and follow procurement rules.
The contract was presented with an itemized payment schedule: annual payments were discussed in the packet, with an annual figure shown as about $45,048.95 in the five‑year payment summary. Commissioners who raised budget questions were told the treasurer's report showed an available rollover balance and staff said they could identify funding and work with the auditor to effect payments.
A commissioner moved that the sheriff be authorized to pursue the purchase and that he work with the county auditor and county attorney to ensure compliance with county procurement policies; that motion was seconded and approved. The contract documentation in the meeting packet lists payment dates beginning Jan. 2026 and continuing annually through 2030.
The court did not record a detailed roll‑call vote in the transcript excerpt; the motion carried by the voice vote recorded in the meeting.
Next steps: county staff will verify procurement compliance and finalize the contract with Axon. The sheriff will coordinate implementation once the procurement and payment schedule are finalized.
