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Fannin County approves purchase of audible lightning and heat-monitoring systems for parks and pool
Summary
Recreation director Eddie O'Neil briefed commissioners on a plan to install audible lightning-detection and heat/wet-bulb monitoring systems at the pool, city park and county park. The board approved an $11,400 initial purchase and set a proposed five-year monitoring contract at $7,400 per year.
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved on Oct. 14 an initial purchase of audible lightning-detection and severe-weather monitoring equipment for the county pool and parks.
Recreation director Eddie O'Neil described equipment that detects lightning and severe weather and sends alerts to staff desktops and mobile devices; the system also includes audible horns to notify park users that severe weather is approaching. O'Neil said the one-time purchase and installation would cost $11,400 and that ongoing monitoring runs on subscription software. He proposed a five-year monitoring contract at $7,400 per year and said the initial purchase would be paid from parks budget lines.
Commission discussion and outcome: Commissioners discussed negotiating price and adding additional units for other park sites. After questions and a motion, the board approved the $11,400 initial purchase; commissioners noted they would revisit contract terms and additional units later.
Why this matters: O'Neil said the systems provide audible and administrative alerts to remove people from fields or pool decks during lightning and when heat/wet-bulb conditions make athletic practices unsafe. The board characterized the purchase as a safety priority for county recreation assets.
