Rowlett council backs pursuing a Safe Haven baby box; donors expected to cover upfront cost

The Rowlett City Council gave staff direction to move forward on pursuing a Safe Haven baby box after a presentation by Miss McDermott and the fire chief.

McDermott explained the Texas Safe Haven law and the baby-box model: the vendor’s estimated initial installation cost is about $16,000 and an annual maintenance/recertification fee is roughly $600; the box requires direct 911 connection and third‑party monitoring so alarms are acted on immediately. She said donors had already pledged to cover the upfront installation costs and recommended the city assume the modest annual monitoring and recertification fees to ensure continuity. "The infant has to be directly handed to a provider, using an infant safety device," she said when explaining the statutory requirements and the safety-design features of the box.

Council members asked practical questions about siting, whether one box is sufficient for the city’s geography, redundancy and marketing. Staff advised the vendor will perform a site assessment and that the city’s preferred site may change based on building configuration and anonymous-access considerations. By consensus council authorized staff and the fire department to pursue contract review, fundraising and the vendor site assessment; specific contract language and final financial commitments will return to council for formal approval if required.