Administrator presents Axon bid for police equipment; council discusses video redaction costs and dispatch standards

Administrator Josh Bender told the Committee of the Whole that he received a sealed bid from Axon for police equipment in the amount of $125,896.80 and plans to bring a resolution to sign the agreement before council (first reading Dec. 8, second reading Dec. 9).

Sergeant Broshious inquired about the cost of redacting body-camera video that had been requested during 2025. Administrator Bender estimated redaction would cost about $4,100 through an unnamed vendor and said the Axon agreement had the potential to save the Village money in the future.

On dispatch, Bender said Mayor Aaron Patterson, Council President Dee Hefner and Dave Richmond will meet with Wood County Sheriff Wasylyshyn on Dec. 3 to discuss new standards for emergency dispatchers. Sergeant Broshious also updated the committee about cruiser maintenance (new tires, battery replacements and one radiator replacement) and said bids for a new police cruiser should be submitted soon if council wants to replace an aging vehicle.

Why it matters: The Axon equipment purchase, redaction costs for body-camera footage, and dispatch standards affect police operations, transparency and the Village budget. The scheduled readings will give council members the opportunity to ask further questions before any contract is finalized.

Next steps: Resolution to sign the Axon agreement will be presented at the Dec. 8 special meeting (first reading) and Dec. 9 regular meeting (second reading).