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City to buy new Motorola radios to maintain interoperability ahead of regional events; council waives formal bidding
Summary
Council authorized purchase of Motorola mobile and portable radios (not to exceed $3.58M), waived formal bidding citing sole‑source justification, and approved intent to issue tax‑exempt obligations to finance the purchase; staff said newer radios have improved interoperability, security and a seven‑year warranty.
The City Council authorized the purchase of new mobile and portable radios for police and fire—citing a need to maintain regional interoperability and to avoid an imminent tariff-driven price increase from the manufacturer. Police Chief Rachel Johnson described the department’s equipment condition and the risk of increasingly unsupported older radios; she said Motorola met the city’s operational and interoperability requirements.
Finance staff reviewed financing options and recommended issuing a series of tax-exempt certificates of participation (COPs) aligned with an ongoing financing for a city property purchase. At the quoted purchase price of about $3.58 million, staff estimated average annual debt service of roughly $687,000 over a seven-year term and proposed the first debt service payment commence January 1, 2027.
Council voted 5–0 to waive formal bidding and authorize the purchase and appropriation; staff said they will return with final financing documents for council approval. Chief Johnson noted Motorola offered a substantial discount and a seven-year warranty on hardware and support. Council members asked about interoperability with the South Bay Regional Communications Authority and the city’s CAD/RMS transitions; staff said radios and CAD are separate systems but that the chosen radios will meet emerging standards to preserve interoperability regionally.
