Report Prepared by: Jose Barajas, Lieutenant, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $5,549 From the Unreserved, Unencumbered Balance of Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture, Transferring to the General Fund and Appropriating the Same to the Police Department for the Purchase of TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a supplemental appropriation of funds from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $5,549, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Merced Police Department to purchase TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved, unencumbered fund balance in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture in the amount of $5,549, transferring to the General Fund and appropriating the same to the Police Department for the purchase of TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or
2. Refer back to staff with direction; or
3. Continue to a subsequent meeting; or
4. Take no action
AUTHORITY
Article II and III of Title 3, Chapter 3.04, of the Merced Municipal Code relating to purchases of equipment and services (Section 3.04.080 and 3.04.120).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Staff is requesting to proceed with the purchase of TLK100 Wave Two-Way Radios from Golden State Communications. Two quotes attached were obtained for two-way radio systems and the company with the lowest quote was determined to be Golden State Communications. The quote is for six radios with a charging base. The quote also details a two-year contract with the monthly subscription included for the two years. At the end of the contract the radios are owned by the Police Department, and any service provider can be used. There are no reoccurring annual charges for the two-year contract.
This equipment will allow officers to communicate with other agencies during high-risk covert operations. Currently, many agencies use these radios, including agencies in Merced County. This radio system would allow officers to link up with other agencies using the same radio system for covert operations.
Two-way radios are critical in high-risk covert operations because they provide secure, real-time communication when timing and coordination can mean the difference between success and failure. Unlike cell phones, radios offer instant push-to-talk functionality, encrypted channels, and reliable connectivity in remote or infrastructure-compromised environments. They allow teams to relay intelligence, adjust tactics, call for extraction, and respond immediately to threats without unnecessary exposure. In fast-moving, unpredictable situations, dependable two-way radio communication enhances situational awareness, team synchronization, and overall operational safety.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding is available in Fund 8503-Asset Forfeiture to fund the purchase but appropriating and transferring to the General Fund Police Department is necessary.
This item will require an affirmative vote of 5 City Council Members to pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Golden State Communications Quote
2. Telepath Quote