AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-132R, approving an addendum to the Interlocal Agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority for Private Long-Term Evolution communication services and equipment at no cost to the city unless services are utilized; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the addendum to the Interlocal Agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 18, 2026
Department: Information Technology, Mike Sturm, Director of Information Technology
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: None
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): N/A
Funds Available: None
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Approval of Resolution 2018-164R September 2018
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Background Information:
Purpose
The purpose of this resolution is to amend the current Interlocal Agreement (ILA) (Agreement #218-384) with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for communication equipment and services and extend the agreement to include voice and data communication equipment and services.
Background
LCRA recently completed a project in the Central Texas region to expand its service offerings to include Private Long-Term Evolution (pLTE) network capabilities.
A Private Long-Term Evolution (pLTE) network is a special type of cellular network designed for specific organizations or businesses. It offers secure, fast wireless connectivity. Unlike regular public networks (like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile), a pLTE network uses its own radio frequencies and local equipment, giving an organization full control over coverage and operations within a certain area-such as a city area, industrial site, utility facility, or public safety location.
LCRA’s pLTE addendum introduces services that may enhance or substitute existing AT&T cellular data services. Currently, pLTE is not intended to replace the Public Safety FirstNet cellular services provided by AT&T, due to limited coverage of the pLTE network.
The City may install this technology to facilitate connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices utilized across various departments, including Electric Utility Automatic Meter Reader gateways, Parks Department irrigation control systems, lighting management, park Wi-Fi networks, rain sensors, flood gauges and security control at remote city owned facilities. The pLTE technology may enable the city to expand its network coverage to challenging locations and areas without a clear line of sight for point-to-point wireless technology within the city limits.
Approving the addendum does not require or obligate the city to purchase services or equipment; it simply permits the city to use the service and equipment if it chooses to do so. Currently, there are no budgeted or allocated funds for the service or equipment. Departments will be responsible for securing funds if they choose to utilize LCRA's services.
Benefits
A pLTE network gives the city access to a dedicated cellular and data communications infrastructure. Unlike relying on commercial carriers, LCRA controls the coverage, capacity, security, and reliability. LCRA being a public utility makes mission-critical communications more resilient and tailored to meet public-sector needs.
Key Benefits for a City
• Improved reliability and coverage: The city can access strong connectivity in critical areas (public safety facilities, utility plants, downtown zones, parks, etc.).
• Enhanced security: Private LTE offers controlled access, encrypted communication, and reduced exposure to external network vulnerabilities.
• Priority for mission-critical services: Police, fire, EMS, utilities, and transportation systems during major events or disasters.
• Better support for IoT and smart-city applications: Ideal for connected sensors, traffic systems, water infrastructure, drones, and more.
• Long-term cost efficiency: Less reliance on commercial carrier fees; predictable expansion costs.
History
The Agreement #218-384 authorizes the City of San Marcos to participate in the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with LCRA to provide communications equipment, facilities and technical services required for the installation and operation of dispatchable mobile radio equipment. The agreement will assist multiple City departments with deploying and maintaining radio communications for public safety operations, interlocal response to catastrophic or large-scale incidents or natural disasters and radio communications coordination support for local state and federal agencies in the State. The original Interlocal Agreement was a ten-year contract with LCRA to provide regional mobile radio services and equipment.
In September 2018, Council approved Resolution 2018-164R to extend this ILA contract term for an additional three (3) years and to automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods unless terminated by either party.
We are currently in the automatic one-year renewal period of the original agreement, which renews annually on September 18th. The requested amendment will follow the same renewal terms.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Recommend approval of resolution.