Mendocino call-box upgrades continue; SAFE budget approved

Michael Via, regional project coordinator for the Mendocino Council of Governments, told the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies on June 2 that the county’s call-box network is mid‑upgrade and that the FY 2025–26 SAFE budget approved by the board includes funds for continuing that work.

Via said the county currently maintains 41 call‑box locations along state routes including 128, 101, 162, 20, 1 and 253. “The program consists of 97 traditional cellular call boxes and 44 boxes that utilize satellite technology,” he said, adding that the program has completed about 70% of the 4G radio upgrades and that 31 upgrades remain, “primarily located on State Routes 128 and 1.” Via said the SAFE has purchased radios to convert nine call boxes from 3G to 4G and 12 satellite boxes to 4G, which he said “will result in significant cost savings for the program.”

MCOG planning staff member Lehi Pedratti clarified that reported usage is system‑wide and that current counts reflect roughly one call per day across all boxes, not one call per box. Pedratti and Via both cautioned that usage numbers will be more reliable after remaining radios are deployed. Board members repeatedly pressed staff on where calls are concentrated and whether boxes are sited where there is no cell coverage. Staff said satellite boxes are placed where cellular service is not available and that some cellular boxes have stronger antennas than typical phones, allowing them to get service where phones might not.

Board and public speakers also raised reliability and vandalism concerns. Via described common problems: battery depletion, outdated equipment malfunction and physical damage, including knockdowns and smashed doors. A public commenter who identified himself as “Gizmo” asked about vandalism; Via said such repairs are covered under the SAFE maintenance budget and gave examples of solar panels being stolen or boxes showing apparent bullet damage.

On funding and administration, Via and staff reviewed the program’s legal and revenue base. The call‑box program is funded principally by a $1 fee collected with annual vehicle registration by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and forwarded monthly to the SAFE, supplemented by fund balance interest and occasional reimbursements. Revenues for FY 2025–26 were projected at $210,746 and expenses at $150,849 in the staff presentation; the balance is planned to be carried forward for future upgrades and maintenance needs.

After discussion, a motion to approve the SAFE budget as submitted carried on a roll‑call vote with Directors Klein, Almond, Doyle, Carter, Caltrans representative Tasha Alstrand and Chair Haschett voting in favor.