September 26, 2024 |
Photo – Text My Gov logo – Courtesy Text My Gov web page
In Medicine Bow, town officials decided not to enroll, at this time, in the text-based alert system, Text My Gov.
In July, the Medicine Bow town council discussed the communications program Text My Gov. The Logan, Utah based company offers a subscription text alert system that allows local governments to let residents know about emergencies and upcoming events.
For example, after texting a preset number, a person will receive a message back with a series of keywords that can be used to report an issue or get more information about town activities. By using Text My Gov, a Medicine Bow resident can easily report a pothole by sending the address and a picture directly to Public Works Director Brian Lashley. While all residents are able to send messages to Text My Gov, they must voluntarily sign up for the program to receive notifications from the town.
Following an initial $500 set up fee, the text-based communications program would cost the town $1,500 a year.
Despite receiving a positive reception, the Medicine Bow town council voted to wait to enroll in Text My Gov until department heads could explain how the system will benefit them.
The Text My Gov conversation was picked back up during the September 9th Medicine Bow town council meeting. Treasurer and Clerk Karen Heath said the town has received additional Chokecherry impact assistance funding. The money can be used to pay for the subscription to the text-based alert system. Heath said the decision is in the council’s hands.
Mayor Justin George said since the council last discussed adopting Text My Gov, the town has experienced a water pump failure. While not a critical emergency, Mayor George said the added impact funds would be better spent on infrastructure repairs than the alert system.
Mayor George said the town must be mindful of unexpected expenses.
Councilman Lee Cook said Text My Gov has its advantages, but the low population of Medicine Bow limits the system’s usefulness. Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield said without the text-based alert system, Medicine Bow has no way of communicating emergencies to residents.
Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer said Text My Gov would be helpful for communicating with older residents. Councilman Trevor Strauch agreed, but said the system is only useful if residents choose to sign up.
Councilman Cook reiterated that the system can be beneficial in specific circumstances. However, the councilman said the cost doesn’t justify the program’s limited usefulness.
The Medicine Bow town council voted to delay a decision to adopt Text My Gov until additional impact assistance funding arrives.
