Finance Committee Meeting 08-10-26

The City of Santa Fe Finance Committee meeting on August 10, 2026, focused significantly on procurement and budget matters related to public safety and infrastructure. Key procurement discussions included approval of a $2.2 million purchase of 24 police vehicles from Chalmers Ford, MHQ, and Code 3 Service LLC, with detailed deliberations on vehicle lifespan, maintenance challenges, and considerations regarding electric and hybrid vehicles. The committee also approved a $2.17 million contract with Axon Enterprises Inc. for a drone first responder program, accompanied by a $433,604 budget adjustment from general fund reserves. The drone program was discussed extensively, highlighting its operational benefits, data privacy policies, FAA compliance, and integration with existing technologies like ShotSpotter. Additionally, the committee introduced a resolution proposing four general obligation bond ballot questions totaling over $20 million for citywide street and pedestrian improvements, recreation complex upgrades, and park enhancements. Members emphasized the need for further discussion and transparency on these capital projects. No votes were taken on the bond questions during this meeting, but motions to approve vehicle and drone procurements passed unanimously except for one dissenting vote on the drone contract due to budget concerns.