An aging emergency generator at City Hall critical to avoiding disruptions to communication systems supporting police and fire operations, is being replaced with $1.2 million in Measure Q sales tax receipts.

The Manteca City Council last week authorized the expenditure for the new generator from TJ Gardner Co.

The existing generator has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer considered reliable for emergency operations.

A staff report noted the loss of generator functionality presents a substantial operational risk to the City.

During utility outages, the City becomes vulnerable to disruptions in emergency communications and municipal operations. Most notably, the City risks losing critical communication systems supporting police and fire operations, while City Hall loses the ability to maintain full operational control and continuity of essential governmental services.

Staff also cited the increasing frequency of utility disruptions and Public Safety Power Shutoff events to reduce PG&E’s risk to wildfire further emphasizes the importance of maintaining dependable emergency power infrastructure.

As such, failure of the existing generator during a power outage could significantly impair the City's ability to coordinate emergency response efforts and provide essential services to the community.