Stevensville council approves new taser lease from Axon and purchase of three Toughbooks for patrol vehicles

Stevensville — The Town Council voted on Jan. 8 to approve two equipment packages intended to modernize police technology and provide a less‑lethal option for officers.

Police leadership presented a five‑year memorandum of understanding with Axon Enterprises that would provide three new taser units, a virtual‑reality training simulator, 50 live cartridges and 30 training cartridges, docking stations, evidence storage integration, extended warranty and on‑demand training. The contract requires a one‑time payment of $200 in February and annual payments of $3,044.36 each November through the contract term, ending in 2030, according to the chief. The chief said fundraising and community donations will be used to avoid drawing on the department’s budget. Council moved and approved the agreement (vote recorded as 'Aye').

The council also approved a purchase agreement for three Panasonic Toughbooks (rugged laptops) for patrol vehicles. The vendor quote lists a base total of $15,311; the contract includes an automatic pricing clause that could raise the total up to 25% in response to market fluctuations, producing a worst‑case total of about $19,139.63. The department reported $10,000 raised from prior fundraising to apply toward the purchase. Council approved the purchase agreement (vote recorded as 'Aye').

Police officials told the council the Toughbooks are necessary to receive security and software updates, run records and histories in the field, and reduce officer time at the station. "These Toughbooks provide a lifeline back to our support structure," the police chief said, emphasizing the devices let officers complete reports and access call information from patrol vehicles.

On the tasers, the police chief described training benefits from the virtual‑reality simulator: officers can exercise judgment in simulated scenarios and complete annual certification requirements. "It gives officers that additional less‑lethal option and helps mitigate liability for the town," the chief said.

Councilors discussed budget implications and whether to pre‑approve the vendor’s potential price increase. A council member clarified that approval included the contract’s potential up to 25% increase; the chief said he would continue to seek competitive quotes and apply fundraising proceeds if needed. A public commenter asked whether vendors would install the Toughbooks in vehicles; staff said the vendor will not install them and the town will handle setup with its IT staff.

Both measures passed with the council’s recorded support (Councilor Bailey 'Aye' and Council member Smith 'Aye'). The council noted it may need to process a budget amendment if the final invoice exceeds available funds. The items are to be procured and implemented by the police department in coordination with town IT and ongoing fundraising efforts.