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Benton County commissioners commit $5,000 to Code Red emergency alert system after split votes
Summary
After a presentation and debate, the Benton County Commission voted to commit $5,000 to the Code Red emergency alert system; an attempt to table the funding failed before the final 11–2 roll-call vote approving the commitment.
Debbie Kyle presented Code Red, the county’s emergency notification system, during the Benton County Commission meeting on May 20, 2019. Following the presentation and a public offer of help from storm spotter Ben Richardson, commissioners debated whether the county should cover the cost of enrollment.
Commissioner Keleah Dye moved that the county pay $5,000 toward Code Red. Commissioner Gary Furr then moved to table that motion for 30 days, a motion seconded by Commissioner Kenneth Miller; the tabling motion failed on a roll-call vote recorded as 4 Ayes and 9 Nays. After further discussion, Commissioners voted to commit to appropriating $5,000 for Code Red; the roll-call vote was recorded as 11 Ayes and 2 Nays. The minutes state that a formal resolution to appropriate the funds will be drafted for the next meeting.
Mayor Brett Lashlee had earlier emphasized the importance of Code Red for storm readiness and public safety. Ben Richardson, a volunteer storm spotter, offered assistance with system setup during the public forum. The commission’s action directs staff to prepare the formal resolution and the budget amendment needed to record the appropriation.
Next procedural steps recorded in the minutes: county staff will prepare the formal resolution and documentation for the commission’s next monthly meeting.
