Finance committee approves 10-year Axon subscription for Tasers, citing price stability

The Medina finance committee approved a 10-year subscription plan for Axon Taser 10 devices after police leadership said Axon no longer sells devices outright and now requires subscription or lease agreements.

Chief Kinney told the committee that the department’s current Tasers are near end-of-life and out of warranty. He presented two pricing options: a five-year package with a total cost of roughly $221,880 and a 10-year package estimated at about $463,000. Chief Kinney recommended the 10-year option for price stability, noting Axon has indicated typical annual price increases of 4–6 percent.

He said the 10-year package would cover devices, holsters, cartridges and training, and that the vendor would provide upgrades or replacements for malfunctioning units during the subscription period. The law director reviewed and approved the lease agreement language, Chief Kinney added.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about potential future price decreases and accepted Chief Kinney’s assessment that prices are unlikely to fall. The committee voted to approve the 10-year subscription plan and carried the motion.

Why it matters: shifting to a subscription model changes the city’s procurement structure for an essential police equipment category and commits funds over a multi-year period. The decision locks current pricing and includes maintenance and replacement provisions.

Next steps: staff will finalize the subscription agreement consistent with legal review and procurement rules.

(Transcript excerpts: Chief Kinney described the two options and recommended the 10-year plan.)