Mount Clemens approves text and voice notification service for residents

City Manager Don Johnson presented and the city commission approved a resolution to add a resident notification service (GovOffice) that will allow the city to send text, voice and email messages to residents who sign up.

Johnson said the recommended vendor, which integrates with the city's website, charges $1,800 per year for the service plus usage fees. He gave the per-message rate figures cited in staff proposals: "$34 per thousand messages for text messages and $14 per thousand for voice messages." Johnson said staff obtained proposals from four firms but only one could supply all three services and integrate directly with the website.

Commissioners asked how the city would publicize the service and whether usage surcharges would be significant. Johnson and other staff said they would first use existing local channels (newspapers, the city's digital sign, and printed cards distributed by staff and commissioners) to encourage signups and monitor costs as participation grows.

Why it matters: The service gives the city a direct channel to notify residents about emergencies (including closures and snow emergencies) and routine city items. Enrollment is opt-in; officials said residents must sign up to receive messages.

Vote: The commission approved the resolution by roll call. Staff will proceed with contracting and begin outreach to promote resident signups.

Next steps: The city manager and production staff will implement the service, integrate it with the website, and begin community outreach about how to sign up for text and voice alerts.