Madison County leaders want to implement an emergency alert system for county residents.
Such a system would provide up-to-date weather and emergency information through a variety of forms, such as phone calls, emails and texts to those who sign up for the service.
“It’s much better than a weather siren,” said 911 director David Camp.
County commissioners agreed Aug. 29 to allow Camp to seek “requests for proposals” for such a service. Madison County has applied for a 50/50 matching grant from the state for such a system. Leaders believe it’s likely the grant will be approved and commissioners said Aug. 29 that they want to be ready to move quickly on implementing the system if the grant is approved.
AERIAL PHOTO PROPOSAL
Also Aug. 29 the group discussed a proposed aerial photo program that will allow various county departments to access imagery of the entire county. The proposed system is $34,000. A Pictometry representative said the system would allow county officials to look at all four sides of a building at a very high resolution.
“You can almost see the paint peel,” said Gary Steele, district manager of Pictometry.
Steele said the imagery could be useful for tax assessors in determining property values in the county. He said dispatchers could receive a 911 call from a cell phone, then bring up a visual image of the call site.
Commissioner John Pethel opposed the purchase. He said he thinks property values are down drastically from what they were a few years ago. However, digest figures don’t reflect that, he said, adding that trying to squeeze more revenue out of property owners is not a good move.
“I think it’s a pretty bad time to do this,” said Pethel. “I’m not in favor of it.”
Chief appraiser Robin Baker said the imagery would help ensure that property owners simply paid their fair share. He said it would be a tool to make sure assessments are accurate.
The board postponed any action on the Pictometry proposal, with commissioner Mike Youngblood saying that he wants the board to meet with city leaders to receive their input on the system.
HELP FOR COLLINS VFD
In other matters Aug. 29, the board agreed to help the Collins Volunteer Fire Department purchase a 2008 F550 brush truck for $60,000. The fire department will make all payments, but the BOC agreed to sign the lease agreement as well to help the department qualify for government tax deductions. The board also agreed to purchase two lighted road signs for a total of $4,500 for the Collins VFD. The signs can be turned on and off by remote control and will alert motorists approaching the sharp curve at the fire department when a fire truck is entering the roadway. The Collins VFD will maintain the signs.
ROAD MEETING AHEAD
The board of commissioners agreed Monday to meet Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. to discuss county policies on road paving and repairs. Board members said they need to establish clear guidelines on how paving projects are determined. Commissioner Mike Youngblood asked the board to pave .3 miles of Old Church Road Monday, but the board turned down the request. Commissioner John Pethel noted that the bridge at Sam Bruce Road has still not been fixed.
“I want district 3 to have their fair share,” said Youngblood. “But I’m not about to get miffed and stay miffed for seven months if I don’t get what I want.”
