Washington County approves body cameras, solid-waste truck and community grants; names new social services board member

The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved several procurement and community items during the meeting, voting unanimously on each.

Procurement for body cameras: Captain Wilson and county procurement staff presented a cooperative purchase through Sourcewell for body cameras tied to a contract with Axon Enterprise (transcript variants included "Axion/Exxon"). The board was told the previously approved allocation is $829,416.78 and that payments will be made over a five-year period; upgrades or recycling of units were described on a lifecycle schedule during the presentation. A motion to approve the purchase passed 4-0.

Solid-waste truck award: Tammy Sturgill said the board had carried over $270,000 for a solid-waste truck and recommended a cooperative procurement award to National Auto Fleet Group for $232,939. The board authorized Mr. Berry to sign the contract; the motion passed 4-0.

Community grants and appointment: Two community funding requests were approved: $6,500 to the Old Glade Antique Tractor Association to construct a 22-by-22 building to house donated antique engines, and $4,500 to the Fairview Farm and Homestead Foundation for cabin repairs. The board recorded the post-approval contingency balance and approved both grants 4-0. The board also nominated and confirmed Travis DeBusk to the Board of Social Services by unanimous vote.

Remarks at the meeting included references to local cultural sites (the William King Museum of Art) and several routine board reports on infrastructure and VDOT meetings. Several procurement items had been run through Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program, and staff said no discount was offered for early payment on the body-camera contract.

What’s next: Contracts will be signed as authorized and staff will proceed with the cooperative procurement awards and grant disbursements.