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Council adopts county hazard mitigation plan, tables storm‑siren spending pending operational plan
Summary
The council adopted the county hazard mitigation plan to become eligible for FEMA grant funding and directed staff to develop an operational plan for storm‑siren activation before approving new siren purchases or Bluetooth modules.
The council voted to adopt the McLennan County hazard mitigation plan, a step the Chair said is necessary for the city to participate in FEMA/state hazard‑mitigation grants that could fund storm sirens or generators for public shelters. The Chair told the council that adoption does not obligate immediate spending but will allow consultants to pursue grant opportunities.
Discussion on storm siren effectiveness highlighted audibility limits: speakers said the existing siren is not reliably heard indoors and that covering the entire community would require multiple sirens at substantial cost (estimates cited ranged from $20,000 to $160,000 depending on quantity and model). Several councilors recommended developing a clear operational plan (who can sound the siren and how) and asking the fire department to return with a proposal before moving money. The council voted to adopt the hazard mitigation plan and to table budget amendments for siren purchases until staff presents an operational plan and cost estimates; staff was also asked to explore FEMA cost‑share/grant programs.
