Jimmy Miller Jr., Vermillion County’s 9-1-1 and emergency-management director, told commissioners the county’s tornado-siren network is aging and in urgent need of maintenance and replacement in multiple locations.

Miller said the county inherited 27 sirens — many 20-plus years old — that originally were military VX sirens repurposed for county warning use. "As of this morning, we have 4 that were non operational," Miller said, and added that solar panels, batteries and radios are failing after decades of outdoor exposure. He provided a rough estimate, based on past invoices and partial assessments, that bringing the system fully up to standard could cost about $315,000.

Miller recommended the county continue to use sirens where possible, negotiate a formal maintenance contract with the vendor ECS for biannual service, and pursue replacement bids for units and panels. Commissioners noted that a project of that scale would require public-works procurement and likely formal bids because the estimated total exceeds the $150,000 threshold for ordinary maintenance contracts. They advised Miller to seek council funding guidance so bids can be tied to an identified appropriation.

No formal commitment of funding was made at the meeting. Miller was directed to place the item on the county council agenda for possible appropriation and to prepare a bid/solicitation plan if funding is approved.