Howard County Council approves emergency multiyear agreement with Axon for body-worn cameras

The Howard County Council approved, by roll-call vote, emergency Council Bill 90-20-21 to authorize a multiyear agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for equipment, software and technical services to support the county's body-worn camera program.

Clerk Miss Harrott read the bill for final consideration under section 6-12 of the Howard County Charter, stating the measure would "approve a multiyear quote between Howard County, Maryland and Axon Enterprise, Inc. ... for the acquisition of equipment and software and technical services and support related to the county's body worn camera program" and that the act was being declared an emergency "necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property." Vice Chair Opal Jones moved to approve the bill; Miss Harrott seconded.

The council chair noted emergency legislation requires four affirmative votes to pass. After the motion was moved and seconded, the clerk called the roll. Recorded votes were: Vice Chair Opal Jones — Yes; Miss Young — Yes; Miss Rigby — Yes; Mr. Youngman — Yes. The motion passed and the council adjourned the special session, announcing it would reconvene at 6 p.m. that evening to continue November business.

The measure approves county authorization to enter the multiyear arrangement with Axon for body-worn cameras and associated software and support for the Howard County Office of the Sheriff. The bill text as read does not specify contract dollar amounts, implementation schedule, procurement method or funding source; those details were not stated during the special session.

The council did not engage in substantive public debate or take public comment during the special session. The next publicly stated procedural step was the council’s announcement that it would reconvene later the same day for continuation of other November agenda items.