Elgin approves interlocal agreement with LCRA to add private LTE radio services for utilities

The Elgin City Council voted Feb. 17 to authorize an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to pursue radio and private LTE services for municipal utility systems.

Michael Gonzales, the city's public works director, explained the LCRA offered the city access to a private LTE network that could improve how the city's SCADA and utility telemetry systems communicate. Gonzales said advantages include increased security compared with public carriers, more reliable service thanks to on-site battery backups at radio towers and improved customer support from LCRA staff. He described the initial step as a fact-finding effort and said formal costs would appear in subsequent task orders.

During questions, staff noted existing costs: many units currently carry annual fees (quoted in discussion at about $75 per unit per month under current arrangements), and the city is evaluating whether migration to LCRA's platform would reduce ongoing costs. Gonzales said the city had been testing equipment compatibility with LCRA's system.

Council moved to approve the interlocal agreement. A council member announced a recusal "out of an abundance of caution" because they are an LCRA employee; the recusal was recorded before the roll call. The remaining members voted in favor and the resolution carried. Council directed staff to proceed with further technical and cost analysis before bringing any purchase or task order back for approval.

The approval allows staff to continue technical testing and, if appropriate, negotiate task orders that would specify costs and implementation steps.