Commissioners consider grant for new storm warning sirens

Three Cheyenne County communities could receive storm warning sirens if applications for grant funds are approved.

Ron Leal, the county’s emergency manager, told the Board of Commissioners at Monday’s meeting that grant applications could be submitted to acquire the sirens for Brownson, Sunol and Lorenzo.

The grants would provide 75 percent of the cost and the county would be responsible for the remainder, he said.

“The one [storm] event we had here in Lodgepole also did some damage in Sunol,” he said. “We’re trying to get warnings for outer communities.”

Each of the three sirens cost about $24,000, Leal explained.

In response to a question from Commissioner Steve Olson asking from where the sirens would be activated, Leal said that it would come from the county’s communications center.

County Attorney Paul Schaub said he’d review the grant paperwork before it’s submitted.

Also at the meeting:

• Schaub said he had updated the job descriptions for all appointed officials except for the planning and zoning administrator. Commission Chairman Darrell Johnson said he reviewed the updates and the commissioners unanimously approved the changes.

• County Treasurer Diane Scott told the commissioners there were 12 distress warrants for properties with unpaid taxes stemming from tax year 2013 and prior. Some of the properties have been making partial payments, she said.

• An inspection of road equipment at the Cheyenne County Highway Department Sidney shop was postponed because of the weather. Last month, commissioners asked Doug Hart, the interim county road superintendent, if they could tour the facility to see what equipment the county owned and what condition it was in. The tour will be scheduled for a later date.

• The next regular Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. at the Commissioners’ Room in the Cheyenne County Courthouse. A special meeting is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in the same location.