Grand Haven council approves five-year Axon services agreement, amends agenda wording to show total and annual amounts

The Grand Haven City Council on Jan. 20 approved a five-year services agreement with Axon Enterprises meant to replace the city’s existing body‑camera and in‑car camera systems.

Councilmembers voted to amend the agenda wording so the contract lists both the total five‑year amount — $147,459.30 — and the annual budgeted amount of about $26,491.86. The amendment passed unanimously by roll call.

The police chief told the council the department has “had nothing but problems since January ’24” with the current body‑camera and in‑car camera provider and expects the Axon system to improve onboarding with evidence management and court systems and to enable interview‑room recording the city has lacked. Chief said transitioning to Axon may also align county partners and local agencies on compatible systems.

At public comment, Jim Hagen cautioned against locking in a long fixed credit for unrelated airport solar participants, arguing long fixed arrangements can shift risk to individuals; council members noted the Axon decision is separate from those comments.

The council’s amended motion spelling out the total and annual amounts clarified budget presentation across fiscal years; staff noted the first year will be prorated. The resolution approving the agreement moved forward without further amendment. The council did not identify any conditions or contingencies tied to outside approvals.

The next procedural step is administrative execution of the contract documents and the city’s transition plan with Axon; staff said they will manage onboarding and coordinate with courts as needed.