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To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response’s “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund” by $150,000.00 for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission.
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, is hereby authorized to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission.
§ 2. That Article I, Section 2 of Ordinance No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026Special Fund Budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, and made appropriations pursuant thereto, be and is hereby amended by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund” for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission.
§ 3. That the funds received from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management are hereby appropriated to the Special Fund Budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, by increasing estimated revenues by $150,000.00, increasing the amount appropriated for expenditures by $150,000.00, and allotting to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response’s “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund” the sum of $150,000.00 for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission.
§ 4. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
City of Richmond
Intracity Correspondence
O&R Transmittal
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II., Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Tanikia Jackson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Letitia Jackson, Director Department of Finance
THROUGH: Meghan Brown, Director, Budget and Strategic Planning
THROUGH: Stephen M. Willoughby, Director, Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response
FROM: Jonathan Fetterman, Senior Manager, Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response
RE: Acceptance of grant funds from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and appropriation of funds to a new Special Fund for DECPR for the purpose of a implementing transcription service for radio transmission
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response’s “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund” by $150,000.00 for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission. This system will create transcriptions of public safety radio communications.
This system will provide real-time transcription of radio communications, converting spoken radio traffic into accurate, time-stamped, and searchable text. The technology will:
• Improve communication accuracy by reducing the likelihood of missed or misheard transmissions;
• Enhance dispatcher and first responder situational awareness through immediate access to written versions of radio traffic;
• Allow personnel to quickly review and verify critical information during fast-moving incidents;
• Support post-incident analysis, quality assurance, and training by preserving clear, accessible communication records; and
• Increase overall operational efficiency by giving staff a reliable supplemental tool during periods of high call volume or complex events.
This implementation will strengthen the City’s emergency communication capabilities and help ensure more effective, informed, and timely responses to the public’s needs.
BACKGROUND: The City was awarded $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management as part of the state Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Grant for the NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Grant program for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission. which will assist emergency communications officers validate information communicated through radio in real-time and will enhance safety of first responders.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: N/A
STRATEGIC INITATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: The City of Richmond will receive a $150,000.00 grant for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission. which will assist emergency communications officers validate information communicated through radio in real-time and will enhance safety of first responders.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon Adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: March 23, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: April 13, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent Agenda
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Public Safety
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, Department of Finance, Department of Budget
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: Ord. 2025-057
ATTACHMENTS: Award Letter
STAFF: Jonathan Fetterman, Senior Manager (646-1340)