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Port Hueneme agrees to join Ventura County’s 700 MHz regional radio system to improve first-responder communications
Summary
To improve interoperability and address coverage dead spots, council authorized an MOU with Ventura County to subscribe to the county regional radio network; initial year subscription cost of $11,976 will be covered from the general fund and staff estimated a future need of roughly $200,000 to replace incompatible radios.
The City Council authorized a memorandum of understanding with Ventura County to subscribe to the county’s 700 MHz regional radio network, a P25-compliant system designed to improve interoperability among law enforcement and fire agencies.
Commander Albertson told the council Port Hueneme’s current radio infrastructure cannot operate on the 700 MHz spectrum and that subscribing to the county system allows the city to avoid replacing its entire radio infrastructure, which would be a significant capital cost. Staff estimated an annual first-year subscription cost of $11,976, which the city has funding for in the FY24-25 general fund; replacing incompatible mobile and portable radios later will be an approximate $200,000 capital purchase and will be presented for appropriation when costs are solidified.
Commander Albertson said field testing in July 2023 showed marked improvement in coverage and resolved dead spots inside buildings. The Ventura County grand jury had recommended completing an MOU with the county for consideration by councils by October 2024; staff said this subscription addresses that recommendation.
Council members supported the recommendation, citing public-safety benefits and historical events that showed the need for interoperable communications. The council moved, seconded and approved the MOU by voice vote, unanimously with Mayor Perez absent.
Next steps: staff will execute the MOU and pursue replacement radios funding options and grants; future purchases for compatible radios will be brought to council for appropriation.
