| ITEM #: 7. DATE: 07/06/2026 AI #:3384 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | APPROVAL OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) WITH THE CITY OF BUCKEYE FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND DISPATCHING BACKUP SERVICES |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Brian Issitt, Chief of Police |
SUMMARY
The IGA with the city of Buckeye is to establish a reciprocal backup system for 9-1-1 functions.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Approve the IGA with the city of Buckeye for Emergency Communications and Dispatching Services, and provide authorization and direction to the City Manager, or their designee, to take actions and execute documents necessary to carry out the intent of the agreement. (Brian Issitt, Chief of Police)
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department’s current general fund base budget includes all dispatch costs. Each city remains financially responsible for its own staffing, equipment, and internal resources when providing or receiving backup communications services.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
Both the city of Goodyear and the city of Buckeye operate their own 9-1-1 emergency communications and dispatching centers. The two cities have operated with an informal agreement for several years. The IGA formalizes an arrangement in which each city will temporarily answer and process the other’s 9-1-1 calls during incidents that render either center unable to function, including natural or man-made disasters, equipment failures, sabotage, planned maintenance, or training.
The IGA establishes the authority for each city to support the continuity of emergency communications for the other by receiving transferred 9-1-1 calls and, if needed, providing temporary workspace within their communications facilities until normal operations are restored.
The IGA establishes the authority for each city to support the continuity of emergency communications for the other by receiving transferred 9-1-1 calls and, if needed, providing temporary workspace within their communications facilities until normal operations are restored.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The proposed IGA creates a structured and collaborative framework to maintain uninterrupted 9-1-1 call-taking and dispatching services for both the city of Goodyear and the city of Buckeye. The IGA establishes the authority for each city to act on behalf of the other, outlines the notification and call-transfer procedures for both scheduled and unscheduled events, and specifies that each party retains responsibility for its own operational costs.
The agreement also incorporates operational safeguards that will be implemented by each city, including maintaining contact lists, ensuring electronic keycard access for emergency operations, and requiring both cities to develop a mutually agreed-upon procedural guide. The agreement includes a five-year term with an option to renew for an additional five-year term, mutually protective indemnification language, workers’ compensation provisions, nondiscrimination compliance, and requirements for proper notice of termination.
This IGA enhances regional emergency communications reliability, ensures continuity of operations, and supports mutual aid principles without imposing additional financial burdens beyond each agency’s normal operational responsibilities.
Staff recommends approving the IGA with city of Buckeye for Emergency Communications and Dispatching Services, included as Attachment A.
The agreement also incorporates operational safeguards that will be implemented by each city, including maintaining contact lists, ensuring electronic keycard access for emergency operations, and requiring both cities to develop a mutually agreed-upon procedural guide. The agreement includes a five-year term with an option to renew for an additional five-year term, mutually protective indemnification language, workers’ compensation provisions, nondiscrimination compliance, and requirements for proper notice of termination.
This IGA enhances regional emergency communications reliability, ensures continuity of operations, and supports mutual aid principles without imposing additional financial burdens beyond each agency’s normal operational responsibilities.
Staff recommends approving the IGA with city of Buckeye for Emergency Communications and Dispatching Services, included as Attachment A.