Council to take action on a budget transfer of $179,400 from General Fund Contingency to the Police Department Budget for increased costs of the Regional Wireless Cooperative. Summary: The Buckeye Pol

4.B
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: 4.B. PD - Regional
MEETING DATE: 11/03/26
Wireless Cooperative Budget Transfer
DATE PREPARED: 10/29/26 DISTRICT NO.:
STAFF LIAISON: Robert Sanders, Chief of Police, rsanders@buckeyeaz.gov,
(623) 349-6430
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
DEPARTMENT: Police
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council)
Council to take action on a budget transfer of $179,400 from General Fund Contingency to the Police
Department Budget for increased costs of the Regional Wireless Cooperative.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS:
Fiscal Responsibility
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Buckeye Police Department participates in the Regional Wireless Cooperative (RWC), which
provides essential regional radio communications infrastructure supporting public safety operations and
interoperability among participating agencies. The Department relies on this established communications
network to maintain reliable radio connectivity during daily operations, emergency response, and multi-
agency incidents.
For Fiscal Year 2027, the Police Department's RWC service fees increased by approximately $212,000
compared to FY2026, bringing the total annual cost to approximately $441,000. This increase is primarily
attributed to rising costs associated with operating and maintaining the regional communications system,
as well as the continued growth of the Buckeye Police Department. RWC costs are allocated based on
the number of active radios utilized by participating agencies. As the Department expands its operations
and increases its radio inventory, its proportionate share of the cooperative's operating costs also
increases.
The Department was notified of the increase but didn't include it in the FY2027 budget development
process. Consequently, the Department's adopted operating budget does not fully account for the
increased service fees.
The Police Department will absorb a portion of the additional costs through existing budgeted resources
and prior funding adjustments. However, a remaining shortfall of $179,400 requires additional funding.
The Department is requesting a budget transfer from General Fund Contingency to address this shortfall
and fulfill its FY2027 financial obligations to the Regional Wireless Cooperative.
Approval of this request will support the continued operation of critical public safety communications
infrastructure while addressing an unanticipated funding requirement within the current fiscal year.
BENEFITS:
Approval of the requested budget transfer will allow the Buckeye Police Department to meet its Fiscal
Year 2027 financial obligations to the Regional Wireless Cooperative (RWC) while maintaining access to
essential public safety communications infrastructure. Continued participation in the RWC supports
reliable and interoperable radio communications between the Police Department and regional public

safety partners, enhancing coordination during routine operations, emergency response, and multi-
agency incidents.
The additional funding will accommodate increased service costs associated with Department growth,
expanded radio inventory, and rising regional infrastructure expenses. Addressing the funding shortfall
will ensure the Department can maintain critical communications capabilities without redirecting
additional resources from other operational priorities, supporting public safety and the continued delivery
of essential police services to the community.
FUTURE ACTION:
The Buckeye Police Department will continue its participation in the Regional Wireless Cooperative
(RWC) to maintain reliable and interoperable public safety communications. Moving forward, the
Department will work with the City's Finance Department to evaluate anticipated RWC service fees,
monitor changes in radio inventory, and incorporate projected cost increases into future fiscal year
budget requests.
The Department will also continue to assess its operational needs and associated communications
expenses to ensure adequate funding is identified during the annual budget development process.
These efforts will support more accurate financial forecasting, reduce the potential for future funding
shortfalls, and maintain the Department's ability to meet its ongoing RWC financial obligations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
This action will increase the Police Department budget by $179,400 and reduce the General Fund
Contingency by the same amount. General Fund Contingency will be $2,845,100 after this budget
transfer.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
The total Fiscal Year 2027 cost for the Police Department's Regional Wireless Cooperative (RWC)
service fees is approximately $441,000. Of this amount, $179,400 represents the additional funding
requested through a budget transfer from General Fund Contingency to address the remaining FY2027
budget shortfall.
BUDGETED:
No
FISCAL YEAR:
2027
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