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Council accepts $21,600 ILEAS grant; police warn of recurring Axon licensing costs
Summary
Belvidere approved a $21,600 Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System grant to buy TASER 10 devices, while Police Chief Woody told council Axon requires a $43 monthly licensing fee per officer (roughly $21,000 annually for 41 officers); staff said the grant buys equipment but does not necessarily commit the city to licensing and will return with cost options.
The Belvidere City Council voted to accept a $21,600 grant from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) to purchase TASER 10 devices for the police department, but the police chief cautioned the council about ongoing licensing costs tied to the vendor.
"They require going forward a licensing fee for any officer that uses their product," Chief Woody said, identifying a $43-per-month licensing fee per officer. At roughly 41 officers, he said licensing would total just over $21,000 per year.
Chief Woody recommended accepting the grant because it would allow the department to acquire TASER 10 devices; he said his understanding was the grant itself does not commit the city to the licensing fees. He said staff would continue to evaluate additional purchases, associated licensing, and any extra equipment needed, and would return with detailed cost proposals and options for funding.
Council members asked whether grant funds could be used for alternate purposes and whether the licensing cost would be mandatory; staff replied the specific grant did not allow repurposing and that ongoing licensing and maintenance would be addressed separately through grants, budgeting, or capital planning. On motion, the council approved the ILEAS grant and authorized the mayor to sign the agreement by a 9–0 roll-call vote.
