County seeks approval for FEMA grant to fund emergency sirens in Granger and Weir

Williamson County officials are moving forward with plans to enhance emergency preparedness in the cities of Granger and Weir by applying for a Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant through FEMA. During the Commissioners Court regular session on April 8, 2025, Bruce Clements, the director of the Office of Emergency Management, presented a proposal to secure funding for two emergency sirens, each costing $39,000. The grant would cover $30,000 of the total cost, with the remaining $9,000 to be funded by the cities.

Clements emphasized the importance of these sirens for public safety, particularly in the event of severe weather events like tornadoes, which can impact areas beyond city limits. The county's role would involve applying for the grant on behalf of the cities, establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to ensure that Granger and Weir commit to maintaining the sirens once installed.

However, the proposal raised concerns among commissioners regarding the financial responsibilities of the cities. Some officials questioned whether Granger and Weir could afford their share of the costs, especially given their limited resources. The cities are scheduled to hold council meetings soon to determine their ability to participate financially.

Commissioners discussed the necessity of ensuring that the cities fully understand their commitments before proceeding with the application. They agreed to postpone a decision until the following week, allowing time for the cities to confirm their willingness and capability to contribute to the project.

In addition to the siren grant discussion, the court approved other agenda items, including routine administrative matters. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to support smaller communities in enhancing their emergency response capabilities while navigating the complexities of federal funding requirements. The outcome of the grant application process will be revisited in the upcoming session, with hopes that Granger and Weir will be able to participate.