Huntington committee forwards purchase of 15 Taser 7 units funded by Byrne JAG grant

The Huntington Public Safety Committee voted to forward Resolution 2025-R-3 to the full City Council, authorizing the mayor to contract for the purchase of 15 Taser 7 units and cartridges for the Huntington Police Department.

Police Chief Phil Watkins told the committee that the department seeks 15 Taser 7 devices to equip uniformed officers and that the devices have “proved to be an effective, less lethal weapon that can be used to safely incapacitate individuals while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death.” He said cartridges included in the purchase will be sufficient to provide training for the officers issued the new units and that training will be provided in-house at no additional cost to the city.

Chief Watkins identified the total purchase cost as $47,845.43 and said funding will come from the FY2022 Byrne JAG formula grant, with no matching funds required from the city. He also identified Axon Enterprise, Inc. as the sole-source provider for the equipment. After a brief opportunity for questions, a committee member moved to approve the resolution, it was seconded, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The item will be sponsored and sent to the full City Council for final approval.

The committee did not debate alternatives or a procurement solicitation strategy during the meeting; the transcript records the department’s statement that Axon is the sole-source provider.