Glacier County approves 10‑year Axon TASER contract with $70,000 down payment

Representatives from the sheriff’s office outlined the county’s need to replace TASERs that are more than a decade old and no longer supported by manufacturers. The presenters described a 10‑year contract with Axon that includes warranties, device upgrades, virtual‑reality training equipment, instructor certification and an option to receive newer devices halfway through the contract.

The presenters proposed a $70,000 down payment from the county’s opioid‑lawsuit settlement funds to lower yearly payments; with that down payment the expected annual payment was described as roughly $7,000. They also said the purchase would use a Sourcewell procurement vehicle already bid at the state level to satisfy procurement requirements.

Presenters described operational benefits: the TASER 10 platform uses reloadable cartridges (allowing multiple engagements and reduced per‑use cost), includes VR training that reduces classroom costs and supplies cartridges and instructor certification. Commissioners asked about price comparisons, warranty terms and procurement; presenters said Sourcewell covers procurement and that Axon currently holds the state contract.

Commissioner (speaker 1) moved to approve the purchase under the 10‑year contract with a $70,000 down payment and a total contract price of $137,232; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. Presenters said devices should be delivered and in service by around July. Funding and warranty details were discussed on the record; the county will budget the annual payments in equipment accounts going forward.