Supervisor rejects paid TextMyGov alert system over cost

Lyn Wittmer, the township EMS coordinator, introduced TextMyGov as a two-way communication platform that would let residents alert township staff about emergencies on township roads or via text messages and web reporting. The vendor estimate cited in the meeting minutes was $3,000–$4,000 per year for Wayne Township, plus additional start-up costs in the first year, and the service would require a three-year contract.

Supervisors discussed the potential benefits and the recurring cost and were unanimous in their decision to decline the proposal. According to the minutes, the board’s concern centered on cost; the record notes a vote to pass on the idea without moving forward to contract negotiation. The action was recorded as a supervisory decision (motion by Mark Sander, seconded by Jon Maker; all in favor).

The minutes do not record vendor-provided examples of resident uptake or a projected return on investment, nor do they show written cost comparisons to alternative platforms. Any future reconsideration would require a formal proposal with more detailed cost-benefit analysis or an alternative funding source.