Title
a. Review the findings and recommendations of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) report titled “Emergency Radio Coverage Gaps Impacting Monterey County Fire Agencies”; and,
b. Consider the draft response to the above-referenced 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury report; and,
c. Authorize the Board’s response to be filed with the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Review the findings and recommendations of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) report titled “Emergency Radio Coverage Gaps Impacting Monterey County Fire Agencies”; and,
b. Consider the draft response to the above-referenced 2025-2026 Civil Grand Jury report; and,
c. Authorize the Board’s response to be filed with the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Report titled “Emergency Radio Coverage Gaps Impacting Monterey County Fire Agencies” was issued on April 29, 2026. The Grand Jury requests responses from the Board to Findings F1-F3, and Recommendations R1-R3 regarding the coverage gaps impacting Monterey County Fire agencies, which fall within the County’s scope of responsibility. Pursuant to California Penal Code, section 933, the Board is required to provide a response to the Presiding Judge within 90 days.
The recommended response is included as Exhibit A for the Board’s consideration. Upon adoption by the Board, the response will be submitted to the Presiding Judge.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The draft response was prepared by the Information Technology Department (ITD), with input from the Emergency Communications Department, and submitted to the County Administrative Office for formal transmittal to the Board Office. ITD staff will be available to answer questions, if needed. Members of the 2025-2026 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury were invited to attend the Board of Supervisors hearing on this matter.
FINANCING:
There are no fiscal impacts to the General Fund associated with this report.
Prepared by: Claudia Escalante, Executive Assistant to CAO
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Draft Board Response to 2025-2026 CGJ Report re: Emergency Radio Coverage Gaps Impacting Monterey County Fire Agencies
Exhibit B - 2025-2026 CGJ Report, dated August 29, 2026