The Walnut Grove Council Work Session held on July 31, 2025, focused on enhancing communication with residents through a new mass notification system. The council discussed options for a service that would allow for timely alerts regarding emergencies, such as water main breaks and power outages, directly to affected residents via text messages and phone calls.

Two potential providers were evaluated: one with a one-time setup fee of $2,000 and a monthly charge of $2.99, and another, Text My Gov, which integrates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for automatic weather alerts. Both services offer the capability to send notifications through various platforms, including the city’s website.

A key point of discussion was whether the notification system could include non-residents living near the city limits. While the current plan focuses on city residents, council members expressed interest in allowing nearby residents to opt-in for alerts, particularly during emergencies. However, it was noted that expanding the service to non-residents could increase costs.

The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing communication for city residents, who contribute to local taxes. They also discussed the potential for residents to customize their notification preferences, receiving alerts only for specific topics, such as weather updates or community events.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further clarification from the service providers regarding the capabilities and limitations of their systems. The council aims to finalize their decision soon to improve community engagement and safety through effective communication.