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Emergency management asks board to consider phased replacement of 25 county sirens
Summary
The county’s emergency management director asked supervisors to consider funding options to replace aging sirens across Madison County, citing some units near failure and a possible replacement program costing roughly $1.1 million if pursued comprehensively.
Madison County’s emergency management director told supervisors the county’s public warning sirens are aging and some are near the end of useful life, and requested the board consider funding options to modernize the system.
"We have 25," Albert told the board when asked how many county sirens remain in service, and he described several units he said are "pretty much dead" or on their last legs. Albert recommended exploring new, computer‑based siren systems that communicate with the National Weather Service and carry longer warranties; he said the newer systems have been cheaper in recent bids and that the county might save on maintenance if it purchases a new system.
The department presented a potential budget line (item O1265) that, if pursued to replace multiple sirens and upgrade control systems, could approach $1,100,000. Board members advised a phased approach — replacing two or three of the worst units at a time — and asked Albert and staff to inventory siren conditions and return with a prioritized list and maintenance‑cost comparisons before any large purchase decision.
Next steps: staff will supply a condition report on existing sirens and estimates for phased replacement options and ongoing maintenance costs.
