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Anacortes council approves switch to Verizon Frontline, city projects $90,000 in credits
Summary
The council authorized the mayor to sign contract 26036ITS002 with Verizon Frontline. Staff said the move will provide emergency priority services and roughly $90,000 in one‑time credits in 2026 and about $24,000 in ongoing annual savings.
The Anacortes City Council voted Jan. 26 to authorize the mayor to sign a contract (26036ITS002) switching the city's wireless voice, text and data service plans to Verizon Frontline under the Washington State/NASPO contract.
Administrative Services Director Emily Hsu presented the recommendation, saying the Frontline offering provides priority and preemption in emergencies and that Verizon will deploy backup generators and other infrastructure when needed. Hsu said the migration is expected to yield approximately $90,000 in credits and rebates in 2026 and about $24,000 in annual savings thereafter.
"They are offering credit and rebates that equate to approximately $90,000 in savings in 2026," Hsu said. She added the ongoing services will be about $24,000 less annually than the city's 2025 costs. Hsu estimated the city's monthly expense under the new plan will be about $8,500 plus taxes and fees; the actual amount will vary with the number of lines in service.
Councilmember Moulton moved to authorize the mayor to sign the contract; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The IT team will work with Verizon to transition phones with retention of existing phone numbers and implement the migration beginning in February if approved. Hsu said Verizon offers frontline crisis response teams and examples of emergency deployments in other regions.
The contract award was approved; staff will begin implementation and return to council with any required procurement documentation.
