Council tables proposed 10‑year Axon police contract after questions about term and cost

The Galena City Council tabled consideration of a proposed 10‑year bundled contract with Axon for police equipment and services after questions from council members about the contract term, cost and technology obsolescence.

Police Chief Tim presented the proposal as an all‑in package for body cameras, in‑car cameras, interview‑room cameras, replacement cages, taser maintenance and software upgrades that include AI‑assisted report writing and translation tools. "This plan is built to last a full 10 years," the chief said, adding that equipment would be replaced and updated over time and that the price in the submitted quote was lower than an earlier $1.5 million proposal.

Council members pressed for details about implementation timing, whether moving the department would add costs (the chief said there would be no added cost) and whether AI upgrades would carry additional fees (the chief said the price would remain the same). Members also noted the department currently pays roughly $50,000 annually under existing contracts and that the new program would increase that to about $97,000 in the following fiscal year if approved.

Several councilors said they were uncomfortable committing the city to a 10‑year contract given rapid changes in technology. The chief said a five‑year option was being prepared. The council withdrew the original motion to approve the contract and voted to table the item so staff could provide a side‑by‑side comparison of a five‑year and 10‑year option and present the final contract for review.