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Council defers Axon contract after questions about credits, term and budget impact
Summary
Councilors questioned a proposed consolidated technology contract with Axon Enterprise — debating 5‑ vs 10‑year pricing, transfer‑credit mechanics and budget timing — and moved to defer the item until the vendor clarifies credits and payment timing.
Councilors extensively questioned a proposed multi‑year contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. that would consolidate Tasers, body cameras, in‑car cameras and evidence services.
The police chief described benefits that would accompany the contract, including equipment replacement at no additional cost when devices are upgraded and new services such as virtual‑reality training and in‑camera language translation. "When Tasers are upgraded, when body cams are upgraded, when in‑car cameras are upgraded, those are replaced at no cost to the PD or the city," the chief said.
Council members pressed on contract length and price differences. A staff review compared a five‑year option (about $111,000–$112,500 per year in years 1–5) to a 10‑year option that starts at roughly $92,931 annually for several years before rising; councilors noted the 10‑year option includes complex transfer‑credit language that depends on current payments and may not yield the anticipated savings without additional payments upfront.
"I get suspicious when a vendor tries to draw us into a long‑term contract," Council member Lazarou said, asking whether the length would lock the city into dated technology or limit future options.
A public commenter, Stephen Coloney, said he supported camera systems but asked how additional units would affect contract costs and stressed that hybrid arrangements with the sheriff’s office must ensure compatible, dedicated units.
Given unresolved questions about transfer credits, payment timing and whether the higher five‑year number is budgeted, councilors agreed to postpone a final vote. "I think we've raised enough questions that I need to talk to the Axon folks and get this straightened out before y'all vote," Council member LaVern said. The item was moved to the next council meeting so staff can obtain clarifications and report back with budget implications and any necessary amendments.
Next steps: staff will contact Axon to clarify transfer credits and payment timing and will return to council with an updated budget analysis and contract recommendation.
