Title
Support authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2024-2025 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (028-1520-EME004-8507) to increase revenue and appropriations by $61,757 to purchase Fire Station Alerting fire dispatching software from US Digital Designs where the increase is funded entirely with non-County revenue from cities and fire districts in Monterey County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee support authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2024-2025 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (028-1520-EME004-8507) to increase revenue and appropriations by $61,757 to purchase Fire Station Alerting fire dispatching software from US Digital Designs where the increase is funded entirely with non-County revenue from cities and fire districts in Monterey County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Through multiple presentations and working group meetings, the Monterey County Fire Chiefs Association evaluated the need for a modern tool for the Emergency Communications Department to notify County Fire Department of active incidents. Currently, the County uses a radio frequency two-tone paging system and upgrading to a modern Fire Station Alerting (FSA) system would enhance response times and bolster public safety. This product can be integrated with the existing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system software and hardware. It can also be configured for Automated Voice Dispatch (AVD) which can create more consistent radio volumes in the fire stations and may reduce dispatcher workload.
The Civil Grand Jury has also identified the need for a modern FSA solution in their 2024 report on the Monterey Fire Department. All Fire Departments that the Emergency Communications Department dispatches for will receive benefits from this new system through the use of newer technology offered by FSA through AVD. For Fire Departments to fully leverage the capa...
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