Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.E
Meeting Date: March 11, 2026
From: Rick Sanchez, Acting Chief of Police
Title: Approval of Resolution Terminating the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Establishing the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Authority (ERICA)
RECOMMENDATION:
To adopt a Resolution terminating the Joint Exercise Powers Agreement which established the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Authority (ERICA).
BACKGROUND:
On July 16, 2008, the Eastern Riverside County Interoperable Authority (“ERICA”) was formed pursuant to a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (“JPA”) under the Joint Exercise of Powers Law of the State of California (California Government Code §§ 6500 et seq.).
ERICA was established as a joint powers authority to provide an interoperable communications system for law enforcement agencies within eastern Riverside County. The member agencies were:
City of Beaumont
City of Cathedral City
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of Indio
City of Palm Springs
ERICA’s principal purpose was to plan, implement, operate, and maintain a shared interoperable communications system to support coordinated law enforcement operations among the member agencies.
DISCUSSION:
Over time, advancements in communications technology and changes in public safety operational needs have led each of the member agencies to transition to alternative interoperable communications systems that better meet current and future requirements.
On or about February 12, 2026, the ERICA Board of Directors determined that it was appropriate to wind down ERICA’s operations, as the member agencies had each migrated, or were in the process of migrating, to other interoperable communications system(s). The member agencies have no plans to utilize ERICA in the foreseeable future.
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6510, a joint powers agreement may be terminated according to its terms. Section 7.1 of the ERICA JPA provides that the agreement may be terminated upon approval by a majority vote of the governing bodies of the member agencies, provided that:
1. All bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued by ERICA and any interest thereon have been paid in full or provision for such payment has been made; and
2. All outstanding obligations and liabilities of ERICA have been paid in full or provision for such payment has been made.
Staff has confirmed that:
ERICA has not issued any bonds or other instruments of indebtedness; and All outstanding obligations and liabilities of ERICA have been paid in full.
Accordingly, the legal prerequisites for termination of the JPA have been satisfied.
Adoption of the proposed Resolution will formally approve the termination of the JPA on behalf of the City of Cathedral City and authorize dissolution of ERICA consistent with the terms of the agreement and applicable law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the termination of the JPA. ERICA has satisfied all financial obligations, and no outstanding debts or liabilities remain.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal E: Safety
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Member Agency Resolution