Consideration and Approval of Contract:  Ratification of the Arizona State 9-1-1 Program Funding Assistance Agreement
 

The Flagstaff Police Department, serving as the 9-1-1 system administrator for all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Coconino County, has been awarded $284,000.00 in grant funding from the Arizona Department of Administration's Office of Grants and Federal Resources. This funding reimburses eligible operational costs associated with the countywide 9-1-1 telephone system, ensuring continued operation of emergency call-taking services for the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) serving Coconino County, which includes the Flagstaff Police Department and Page Police Department. Acceptance of this grant allows the City of Flagstaff, in its role as System Administrator, to continue supporting a coordinated regional emergency communications system serving municipal, county, and federal public safety partners.
 

Project Name: FY2027 Coconino County 9-1-1 Grant
Cost:  $284,000.00
Account Number Budgeted: 001-04-062-6246-2-4211
FY Budgeted Amount: $1,000,000
Grant Funded: 100% State funded through the Arizona Department of Administration.
Funding Source: Arizona Department of Administration - State 9-1-1 Office

Since 2019, City Council has annually approved acceptance of the Arizona 9-1-1 Grant to support eligible operational costs for the countywide 9-1-1 system. This grant has provided consistent reimbursement funding for emergency communications infrastructure and services.
 

Option 1 (Recommended)
Approve the grant agreement and authorize acceptance of $284,000 in FY2027 Arizona 9-1-1 Grant funding.

Option 2
Do not approve the agreement. The City would forgo reimbursement funding for eligible countywide 9-1-1 operational expenses and would need to identify alternative funding sources or reduce eligible expenditures.
 

The Flagstaff Police Department has been designated by the State 9-1-1 Office as the system administrator for Coconino County's 9-1-1 services. In this role, the department is responsible for submitting operating costs and call statistics for all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the county, including Flagstaff, Williams, and Page.
Historically, 9-1-1 telephone bills were mailed directly to the Flagstaff Police Department, where the 9-1-1 Coordinator verified the charges and forwarded the invoices, along with an authorization letter, to the State 9- 1-1 Office. These costs were then paid by the state using funds from the Emergency Telecommunication Services Revolving Fund.
In 2018, oversight of the Arizona 9-1-1 program was moved under the Arizona Department of Administration, Office of Grants and Federal Resources. As part of this transition, the state implemented a formal grant program to fund annual 9-1-1 system budgets. Under the new process, system administrators must apply for funding each year to cover operational expenses. Approved funds are used to reimburse PSAPs for eligible costs, ensuring consistent and equitable distribution of resources across the state.
To support regional collaboration and financial sustainability, the City of Flagstaff maintains active Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with the City of Williams and the City of Page. These agreements, which are valid through 2027, establish that if state funding for the 9-1-1 system were to be discontinued, each agency would assume responsibility for their own 9-1-1 service costs.
This grant does not create new programs or staffing. It reimburses eligible operational expenses associated with providing countywide 9-1-1 telephone service.
 

This grant directly supports two of the City of Flagstaff's Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) objectives:
High Performing Governance - By maintaining centralized coordination of 9-1-1 services through the Flagstaff Police Department, the City ensures efficient use of public resources, regulatory compliance, and strong interagency collaboration. The grant process promotes fiscal accountability, transparency, and equitable distribution of emergency communications funding across all participating agencies in Coconino County.
Safe and Healthy Community - Reliable 9-1-1 infrastructure is essential for public safety. This funding ensures uninterrupted emergency call-taking and dispatch services across the region, supporting rapid response to emergencies, protection of life and property, and coordinated efforts between local and federal public safety partners.
The continued administration and funding of this grant are critical to delivering responsive, high-quality emergency services to residents and visitors across Coconino County.
 

This grant aligns with Goal PF.3 of the Flagstaff Regional Plan, which calls for "the coordinated provision of public safety services and infrastructure."
By funding the operational costs of 9-1-1 telephone systems across multiple Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Coconino County, the grant supports a regionally integrated emergency communications system. The Flagstaff Police Department's role as system administrator ensures that agencies across the region-- municipal and federal--receive consistent service delivery, shared infrastructure, and coordinated response capabilities. This enhances the region's overall resilience and ensures equitable access to critical emergency services for all communities served. This coordinated approach improves interoperability, strengthens regional resilience, and ensures reliable emergency communications for residents and visitors throughout Coconino County.
 

This grant supports Health and Safety Strategy HS-3 of the City's Carbon Neutrality Plan, which aims to "ensure community preparedness and equitable emergency response to climate-related and other hazards." By funding the core infrastructure of the region's 9-1-1 telephone systems, the grant enhances the reliability and coordination of emergency communications across Coconino County. Reliable emergency communications are essential during climate-related emergencies, including wildfires, flooding, severe winter storms, extreme heat, and other natural disasters. A well- supported, regionally coordinated 9-1-1 system ensures that all communities, especially vulnerable and remote populations, receive timely, equitable emergency response in the face of growing environmental risks.
 

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