City manager outlines police robotics purchase; chief recommends SWAT unit if only one is approved

The City Manager told the council that an agenda item will propose buying updated police robotics now rather than waiting until the 2027 capital-improvement plan, citing incidents where newer equipment could have aided officer safety and tactical responses.

"The chief's recommendation is for SWAT," the City Manager said, adding that the city has bonding capacity in the 2026 CIP and current pricing appears favorable, though prices could change.

Council members pressed whether the city would buy a bomb-disposal robot or a SWAT-specific unit if only one is approved. One council member said, "if my option is only 1, we would go with the Bomb Road," reflecting a preference for a bomb-unit option. The City Manager said the chief recommended the SWAT configuration but that council direction could override that recommendation.

The manager also noted staff will be available during the meeting to answer technical questions and that procurement timing was chosen to take advantage of current pricing and available bonding capacity.

No formal purchase authorization occurred in this preview; the item will return for council consideration and questions from the police department and chief.