County staff seek $161,187.60 Edward Byrne grant to replace Taser devices; reimbursement risk noted

County staff asked the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 24 for approval to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant of $161,187.60 to replace part of the county’s fleet of Taser devices.

“We are seeking approval to apply for the grant, in the sum of $161,187.60. It is to replace the aging … tasers,” the presenter said. Staff noted the county accepted a similar, roughly half-size award last year and had not yet received reimbursement for those purchases. “We have not … paid Axon for the tasers yet. And we're working on the best way to manage that process and make sure that we aren't overexposed to any potential risk of not being reimbursed,” a county finance staff member said.

County staff recommended applying for the grant but cautioned against ordering devices before reimbursement is likely. Options discussed included staging orders in smaller batches to limit the county’s upfront exposure. Staff told commissioners that even if awarded this year, devices likely could not be ordered until October and that warranty and maintenance bundles typically cover a five-year period; Axon provides cartridges for training and use under the warranty package.

Officials provided training cost context: deputies shoot training cartridges as part of annual training and a cartridge costs about $40; staff estimated roughly 10 Taser-related deployment/training events per year. The county also confirmed old devices would be returned to Axon under their program if replaced.

No formal award or purchase was recorded at the workshop; staff said they would move forward with the application while monitoring reimbursement progress from the prior award.