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Potter County briefed on $5M state appropriation to upgrade emergency operations center, build siren/resource warehouse
Summary
Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management told the court a $5 million county allocation (part of a $10 million state pot for two counties) is proposed to modernize the emergency operations center, build a siren maintenance/resource warehouse (estimated $2.2–2.3M) and buy equipment to install sirens; commissioners asked for an interlocal amendment and to return with formal documentation.
Max, director of the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, briefed Potter County commissioners on a pending appropriation that would funnel $10 million from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to two counties; Potter County’s anticipated share is $5 million. Max said the funds would be used to remodel and modernize the county emergency operations center, construct a combined siren maintenance and resource warehouse (estimated at $2.2–$2.3 million), and purchase in-house equipment to install and service outdoor warning sirens. "Part of these funds will go to enhance and remodel our current emergency operation center," Max said during the Sept. 22 briefing.
Max outlined that installing a single outdoor siren has previously cost about $50,000 (purchase plus installation) and that the county plans to buy equipment to reduce installation costs and to add two pre-planned sirens in areas identified through planning and hazard history. He also described the warehouse as a secondary operation center if the downtown facility becomes compromised and as a long-term cost-saving measure for siren installation and rebuilds.
Commissioners asked about interlocal agreements and documentation. County counsel/staff said they would prepare an amendment or interlocal that documents why the county will receive the funds and how the city will be involved. The court asked the office to return with the interlocal/amendment for formal action and authorized staff to draft the required documentation.
No appropriation vote occurred at the Sept. 22 meeting; staff and Max will return with interlocal language and a formal request for the court to consider.
