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Freestone County tables decision on countywide text-notification service after cost and coverage questions
Summary
Staff described a Texan MyGov text-notification system that could target precincts and reduce routine calls; commissioners requested a demo and more documentation and voted to table the item pending further review.
Freestone County commissioners discussed a proposed countywide text-notification system and voted to table further action after staff answered questions about coverage and cost.
A staff member summarized a demonstration of a Texan MyGov product, saying it could route routine public inquiries (birth certificates, divorce filings, court schedules) and allow precinct-targeted alerts, such as road closures. Staff estimated the tool could address a large share of routine calls — "about 90%" of certain call types in their office — and said the provider had phone-number coverage for roughly "60-something percent" of county households. The vendor costs cited in the meeting were $3,400 for one-time setup and $6,800 per year; staff summarized the first-year cost as roughly $10,200.
Commissioners asked for a live demonstration and additional documentation. Staff offered to arrange a Zoom demo with the vendor (Teagan King) and to have auditors and county administration review contract language and funding availability. The Commissioner moved to table the item until the next regular meeting to allow that review; the motion was seconded and carried.
Commissioners and staff also discussed existing alternatives: a regional notification system used by a six-county region and the city of Waco, and the 2-1-1 informational hotline used to guide callers to appropriate county offices. Staff said information about 2-1-1 could be added to the county website to direct residents seeking general information.
Next steps: staff will schedule a vendor demo for commissioners, confirm coverage and contractual details with the auditor's office, and return with recommended contract terms for consideration at a future meeting.
