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Council OKs $1.83 million replacement of outdoor warning system
Summary
South Hall council approved a $1.834 million contract with OmniWarn LLC to replace the city's aging outdoor siren network, funded 80% from the general fund and 20% from Type B sales tax; staff said the project will add diagnostics and lightning detection and aims for completion in early 2027.
The South Hall City Council voted to authorize a $1,834,032 contract with OmniWarn LLC to replace the city’s outdoor warning (siren) system, staff said at the Aug. 4 meeting. Staff and the fire chief told the council the current system is aging, lacks remote diagnostics, and was the subject of a nearly 800‑page technical assessment completed in April 2026.
“The total cost of the project is 1,834,032,” a city staff presenter said, adding that the funding split is 80% from the general fund and 20% from the Type B sales tax fund. Fire Department leadership described operational benefits: the new system will provide remote monitoring (battery and health diagnostics), a vendor-backed maintenance agreement covering routine repairs, and added features such as lightning detection for key sports and park facilities.
Chief (Fire Department) described the system’s condition and options the city evaluated, saying, “We have 53 sirens throughout the city right now,” and recommending a full replacement rather than a hybrid repair to reduce long‑term maintenance burdens. Staff explained the hybrid approach would lower initial cost but leave the city exposed to ongoing repair costs for obsolete electronic components.
Councilors asked about warranty, staffing impacts, and long‑term replacement planning. Staff said OmniWarn’s maintenance agreement covers all but ‘‘acts of God’’ and that fire emergency management would oversee the contract; no new city positions are required. The timeline presented anticipates manufacturing and phased installation beginning soon and project completion targeted for February 2027.
The resolution passed on a council voice vote. The contract will be procured through the Houston‑Galveston Area Council cooperative, staff said, a process they described as competitively vetted and allowing faster procurement.
