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Potter County briefed on $5M state appropriation to upgrade EOC, build siren warehouse and buy siren‑installation equipment
Summary
Amarillo emergency management briefed the court on a $5 million county allocation (one of two $5M shares of a $10M state appropriation) to remodel the Emergency Operations Center, build a siren‑maintenance/resource warehouse (estimated $2.2–$2.3M) and buy equipment to install sirens; commissioners requested an interlocal amendment before funds are transferred to the city.
Max, director associated with the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, told the court the state appropriations committee proposed $10 million in general revenue, split between two full counties, with Potter County slated to receive approximately $5,000,000 to enhance emergency operations and preparedness.
Max said planned uses include remodeling and enhancing the county's Emergency Operations Center, constructing a combined siren‑maintenance and resource warehouse (estimated roughly $2.2–$2.3 million), buying equipment to install outdoor warning sirens in‑house (to reduce installation costs), and adding two new sirens in higher‑need locations. He described the historical full cost to purchase and install a siren as roughly $50,000 (purchase around $28,000 plus installation costs that have ranged $15,000–$25,000), and an estimated annual maintenance cost of about $1,300 per siren.
Commissioners asked about jurisdictional and contracting issues; staff noted the county has an interlocal agreement with the City of Amarillo (which has provided emergency management services historically) and recommended drafting an amendment or documentation outlining the fund transfer and how the county will use the funds. Commissioners requested staff prepare the interlocal amendment language and return it at a future meeting for approval so the county can accept and move the appropriation through FY2026 planning.
Max said the appropriation is for fiscal year 2026 and that procurement and planning for siting would include elected‑official and public input. The court did not appropriate county matching funds at the meeting but moved to bring the interlocal and documentation back for action.
