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Police and fire outline multi‑year equipment plan; tasers and patrol rifles top short‑term list
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Summary
Public‑safety staff asked for funding to replace aging tasers (10 units priced at $76,000) and to begin assigning patrol rifles to individual officers (roughly $2,000 per rifle with accessories). Fire staff described HVAC and SCBA replacement needs and an intention to apply for FEMA AFG funding to offset SCBA costs.
Police and fire leaders told the commission they need to replace aging equipment that is either at end of life or no longer supported by vendors.
The police presentation said the vendor has sunset the current taser model and staff negotiated a price of $76,000 for 10 replacement units; staff proposed either paying in full or using a five‑year financing plan. The department also recommended assigning each officer a patrol rifle (cost roughly $2,000 per rifle with optics and accessories) to ensure proficiency, safety and equipment familiarity; staff proposed phasing that acquisition over two years to spread the cost.
Fire staff described long‑running HVAC issues at the Public Safety Building and reported carbon‑monoxide entry that prompted a full HVAC inventory and phased replacement plan. Fire also flagged that many SCBA components must be replaced after 15 years; staff said they intend to apply for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to offset equipment costs but noted that FEMA disbursements and prior-year grant cycles have been delayed.
Commissioners asked about lifespan, financing options, training and whether grants were available for these purchases; staff noted limited grant availability for some items (for example, rifles and tasers are generally not grant‑eligible) and emphasized training and storage considerations. The police chief said shooting qualifications take place at the Lapeer County Sportsman's Club and described partnerships for night shoots and scenario training.
