Emergency coordinator urges move from Code Red to Everbridge to cut alert costs

Shy Harmon, Kerr County’s emergency management coordinator, asked commissioners during the June 1 budget workshop to move the county’s alert and mass‑notification system from Code Red to Everbridge and to shift the associated budget into the emergency management department now that the operation has moved out from under the sheriff.

Harmon presented a quote showing a first‑year cost including installation and training and an annual recurring charge of about $14,928; a 10‑year price‑lock option was discussed. He said Everbridge offers features and reliability used by major state and federal agencies and that the vendor was prepared to enable service for free through October to ease the transition.

Commissioners asked Harmon to bring a formal presentation with firm installation and training costs and a proposed agenda item for approval. The court indicated it would place the request on an upcoming commissioners court agenda so members could vote formally after receiving full cost and implementation details.

What’s next: Harmon will provide a written proposal with firm numbers, implementation timeline and training plan for the court to consider at a future meeting.