Council approves resolution to buy tasers, body cameras and a drone from Axon

The Spanish Fort City Council voted unanimously July 20 to approve Resolution 16O22026, authorizing the mayor to enter an agreement with Axon Enterprises and Axon Public Safety Canada Inc. for law-enforcement equipment and related training. The resolution passed after a motion and second, with roll-call 'Yes' votes from Smith, Gustafson, Ramsey, Ravner and Mayor Bass.

Mister Connor, speaking to the council, said the package includes a 48-month taser program costing $28,794.96, a 60-month body-worn camera contract priced at $22,923 and a one-year drone contract at $23,885. He said the Sourcewell purchasing cooperative and approval from the Alabama Department of Public Examiners allow the city to use the cooperative bid rather than run a separate competitive solicitation. Connor also cited estimated savings: roughly $6,000 per year for the taser program (about $24,000 over its life) and about $4,503.82 in annual savings for the camera program (Connor stated a total savings figure in the packet).

Council discussion was limited. One councilmember commented that the camera contract appeared long and heavily amended; no one offered amendments to the resolution before the vote.

Resolution 16O22026 authorizes the mayor to execute the necessary documents to complete the purchases under the cooperative contract. The council did not identify a formal mover or seconder by name on the public record; the roll-call vote was recorded by City Clerk Miss Nance.

The council did not set an additional implementation timeline during the meeting; city staff will proceed with contract execution under the authority granted by the resolution.