Title
Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the NGEN (Next Generation Radio System) Capital Fund Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget (405-1520-EME002-8426-7531) to increase appropriations by $722,000 financed with fund balance to pay for NGEN projects which were not completed in FY2022-23 (4/5th vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the NGEN (Next Generation Radio System) Capital Fund Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget (405-1520-EME002-8426-7531) to increase appropriations by $722,000 financed with fund balance to pay for NGEN projects which were not completed in FY2022-23 (4/5th vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In FY 2022-23, the Information Technology Department (ITD) planned to complete an ISSI Gateway project for $275,000 and a NGEN Phase-2 Upgrade for $438,000 for the enhancement of the NGEN Radio System. These projects were budgeted in FY2022-23 but not completed and no budget was submitted for the NGEN Capital Fund in FY2023-24 because at the time of budget creations, it was anticipated that these projects would be completed.
The ISSI Gateway provides interoperability between the NGEN radio system and FirstNet for supported radios. However, the current project scope will not include integration with a foreign system such as Motorola. The NGEN Phase-2 Upgrade doubles channel capacity at all NGEN digital radio sites. These projects are funded by savings from the original buildout of the radio system and from prior years’ surplus in the NGEN Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Fund 026 which were transferred into fund 405 in the FY2022-23 budget.
Additionally, $9,000 is needed to reimburse ITD for the relocation of the Roberts Knoll radio site. This site relocation was required because ITD was requested by the new landlord at Roberts Knoll to remove the NGEN shelter and tower. The total cost of the site relocation is $23,810.83. $14,810.83 was already charged to the NGEN capital fund in FY2022-23. ITD paid for the site relocation and is being reimbursed from Fund 405. This site relocation cost is funded with interest earned on the fund balance in fund 405.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Information Technology Department prepared the budgets for these projects and concurs with this action. The NGEN Executive Board has approved this budget increase and recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve it. This item was supported by the Budget Committee at the October 25, 2023 meeting.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund, or to any County Department, or public safety agency who participates in the NGEN system. Fund 405 was under budget by $951,316 in FY2022-23 due in part to these delayed projects and the savings held as fund balance is being used to fund this appropriations request. No additional revenue collection is necessary.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This meets the Board’s Administration and Public Safety Strategic Initiatives by ensuring adequate funding is available to perform upgrades to the public safety NGEN radio system, as approved by the NGEN Executive Board.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
_x_Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
_x_Public Safety
Prepared by: John Vaught, Finance Manager II, x8883
Approved by: Lee Ann Magoski, Director of Emergency Communications, x8880
Attachment:
Resolution
Board Report