April 29, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The City of Smithville has found a way to fund the purchase and installation of tornado warning sirens.
During Tuesday night’s special meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen, the council adopted a resolution requesting funding which has already been allocated through a state grant in the amount of $135,774. It’s a one time grant with no local match.
Mayor Josh Miller said the city will use $70,000 of the grant for tornado warning sirens. The remaining money will be spent as follows: $43,000 for 16 air bottles and 10 sets of turnout gear for the city fire department, $14,000 for city hall roof repairs, $2,000 for two in car radios for the police department, and $5,500 for office computers at city hall.
Every city and county in the state is getting a share of the $200 million total grant allocation according to Governor Bill Lee who recently made the announcement.
DeKalb County’s share will be $656,166. In addition to Smithville, the other cities within the county will get the following amounts: Alexandria $52,091; Dowelltown-$38,717; and Liberty $37,238.
The grant funds may be used for road projects, I.T. upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades, and public safety projects. Certain disaster related expenses are also eligible for funding.