Gibson County approves appropriations for public-safety supplies and advertises $431,771 for outdoor warning sirens

The Gibson County Commissioners voted to approve and advertise multiple appropriations on routine business, including a $431,771 capital outlay request for outdoor warning siren equipment and $30,000 from the public-safety local income tax for supplies.

The board discussed the siren replacement plan, noting staff will begin work on the east side and that some components from existing sirens can be reused. Commissioners asked staff to check costs for adding an additional siren near South Gibson High School before final procurement decisions.

Commissioners also approved transfers tied to emergency medical services and accepted grant appropriations. The Pathways to Freedom grant was appropriated for staffing and operating costs, including $62,400 to part-time wages and smaller sums for supplies and services that were listed during the meeting.

A finance update at the meeting noted recent reimbursements and grant receipts used for equipment purchases; staff said prior funds helped the county buy 32 portable radios and other mobile units. Commissioners were told the county will advertise several additional appropriations from dormant and project funds (including a sheriff's fleet maintenance fund and other small project accounts) and will review those items during the upcoming budget cycle.

The motions were moved and seconded and carried at the meeting; the transcript records at least one commissioner voting in opposition on some measures but does not provide a full roll-call tally in the spoken record. The county said it will bring full procurement details and cost estimates back for public review as part of the advertising and budget process.

Next steps: staff will advertise the additional appropriations, provide procurement cost estimates for the siren work, and review the items again during the July budget meetings.