The Mount Airy Town Council on Jan. 5 voted to adopt Resolution 20 20 six‑one, authorizing the town to pursue acquisition, implementation, operation, maintenance and public outreach for a hazardous weather alert siren system.

Volunteers from the inclement weather task force presented research supporting a two‑siren plan they say would provide coverage across the town. Lucy Bridal, speaking for the task force, said the system would be triggered for severe National Weather Service warnings and could be activated by county emergency operations centers or, in limited circumstances, by designated town personnel. "We envision that the siren would be programmed with only one tone… The main purpose of the siren would be to alert people to seek shelter indoors immediately and tune to local news stations or weather apps," Bridal said.

The task force presented a conservative price estimate for two sirens — $93,500 for purchase, installation and training — and said American Signal Corporation had offered in writing to cover the cost of one siren, reducing the town's share by roughly $11,000. Task force chair Jack Bridal said the group had identified candidate locations (for example, the American Legion and a town water tower) and was pursuing grants and private donations to offset municipal cost.

Public‑safety officials and residents urged adoption. Carroll County Sheriff Jim Deweese called the system "a good device to get that early warning out there" and offered to support operations with some asset‑forfeiture funds. Alan Culver, special counsel to State's Attorney Haven Shoemaker, said the state's attorney's office also supported the system as an asset for public safety.

Councilmembers pressed the task force and staff on details: whether two sirens would provide adequate coverage given Mount Airy’s hills and valleys; who would monitor and maintain the software; warranty and ongoing maintenance costs; whether additional sirens or county coordination could expand coverage; and procurement rules if a vendor donates equipment. Councilmember Kelly asked how citizens would know whether a tone signaled a tornado or a flash flood; task‑force members and councilors emphasized a public‑education campaign so a single tone prompts people to seek shelter and check official guidance.

Several council members clarified that the measure before them was a resolution — a statement of intent rather than an ordinance or binding appropriation. Mayor Hoschauer said adoption would allow staff and volunteers to pursue funding and include a budget line for the town’s next fiscal process; the council may modify or remove a line item during the formal budget vote.

After discussion, the motion to adopt passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The council directed staff and the task force to continue work on site selection, grant pursuit and the budget presentation for the next fiscal cycle.

The next procedural step is for staff to pursue grants and donations and to include the proposed line item in the town’s upcoming budget; the council noted that final purchase would depend on funding outcomes and formal appropriation in the budget process.