Title
Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (1340-152001) to increase appropriations in expense category 62435 Minor Computer Hardware by $55,000 to upgrade from legacy copper lines to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) internet-based phone lines with the increase funded by FY 2025-2026 surplus being held as unassigned fund balance in the Department Dispatch Fund 1340 (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider adopting a resolution to:
Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (1340-152001) to increase appropriations in expense category 62435 Minor Computer Hardware by $55,000 to upgrade from legacy copper lines to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) internet-based phone lines with the increase funded by FY 2025-2026 surplus being held as unassigned fund balance in the Department Dispatch Fund 1340 (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Emergency Communications Department (ECD) is a consolidated Public Safety Answering Point for 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls as well as a radio dispatch facility serving 28 law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical response agencies throughout Monterey County.
This funding will be used to upgrade all non-emergency phone lines at both the primary and alternative dispatching locations from copper phones lines to digital internet-based Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) lines. Transitioning this infrastructure from legacy copper-wire to internet-based SIP phone lines is an important upgrade that eliminates physical points of failure and reduces long-term operational costs.
DISCUSSION
ECD currently utilizes several cloud-based applications and services that rely on modern call routing, forwarding, and telecommunications capabilities that are not well supported by legacy copper infrastructure. Upgrading these services now addresses current operational needs and improves reliability.
ECD planned to complete this project in FY 2025/2026 but the project has been delayed due to difficulties getting quotes from the vendor.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The ECD Executive Board has reviewed and approved this action. County Counsel reviewed and approved this action as to legal form. The County Administrative Office Budget & Analysis Division reviewed this request.
FINANCING:
This action is funded with unassigned fund balance in Fund 1340. This action will not result in any additional cost to the general fund. The total anticipated cost for the project is $70,000 and the Department anticipates being able to absorb the funding gap of $15,000 within the current adopted budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This action supports the Board’s Safe and Resilient Communities Strategic Plan Goal by enhancing public safety call handling technology.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X_ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: John Vaught, Finance Manager II, x8883
Approved by: Lee Ann Magoski, Director of Emergency Communications, x8880
Attachments:
Board Report
Resolution