Iroquois County switches to Regroup for cost-effective emergency notifications

The Iroquois County Policy & Procedure Committee convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the county's emergency notification system. The primary focus of the meeting was the transition from the current provider, HyperReach, to a new service called Regroup, which promises enhanced functionality and cost savings.

The discussion began with concerns raised about the frequency of notifications sent by HyperReach. The committee noted that during a recent severe thunderstorm warning, residents received notifications ten times within a 25-minute span, leading to frustration and opt-outs from the service. The current contract with HyperReach was set to increase from $6,300 to $7,245 annually, prompting the need for a more sustainable solution.

In response to these issues, the committee explored alternatives and ultimately decided to contract with Regroup, which offers a more efficient notification system at a significantly reduced cost of $2,500 per year. This new contract will take effect on May 1, 2026, and includes a provision for free access to the platform prior to the official start date. Regroup's software features a built-in filter that prevents multiple notifications for the same weather event, addressing a key concern from residents.

The committee emphasized that Regroup will focus notifications solely on critical weather alerts, including severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, high wind warnings, flood warnings, and flash flood warnings. This targeted approach aims to ensure that residents recognize the importance of the alerts they receive.

Additionally, the committee highlighted that the new contract with Regroup includes a stable pricing structure, with no increases until 2030, allowing for better budget management. The transition is expected to reduce the Emergency Management Agency's budget by 5%, marking a second consecutive year of budget compliance.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the positive reception of the county's weather data on social media, indicating an increase in public engagement. The integration of Regroup's notifications with the county's Facebook page was also noted as a significant advantage, allowing for timely updates without additional administrative burden.

Overall, the committee's decision to switch to Regroup reflects a commitment to improving emergency communication while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The transition is set to enhance the efficiency of weather alerts and better serve the residents of Iroquois County.