Arkadelphia mayor’s question on tornado sirens draws viral responses, ire

By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard

Arkadelphia Mayor Scott Byrd simply wanted to know what his constituents thought about the possibility of switching from tornado sirens to digital notifications.

During an interview, Byrd laughed as he recounted how his social media post went viral and even attracted the attention of one Little Rock television station.

“I just wanted input,” he said, noting that two of the city’s three tornado sirens are in need of repairs that will likely turn into replacements that cost as much as $60,000 or more. Currently, both fire stations have sirens and there is another siren in the Country Club Road area.

“We are at a juncture,” Byrd said. “Do we stay with the old-fashioned alert system or switch to the new digital system?”

While many who responded didn’t seem to understand that in a city manager form of government with spending limits in place, neither Byrd nor City Manager Gary Brinkley have the authority to outright purchase such a system without board approval.

“Literally, as mayor I’m just president of the board,” Byrd said. “I’m not an administrator, I’m just one vote on the city board.”

His vote would be based on the numerous comments he received will be in favor of repair or replacement of the tornado sirens. Two-thirds of the respondents said they wanted the sirens repaired, noting that not everyone has the capability for digital alerts, nor is everyone in the area signed up for it — not to mention those who might simply be visiting the area during a severe weather event.

Based on the responses, the mayor said he has directed Brinkley to obtain quotes for the repair or replacement of the sirens.

“If it had even been 50-50 I would have still voted for keeping the sirens,” Byrd said. He stressed that while it is his goal to have the siren system replaced or repaired, there is already a digital alert system for locals that is available for free.

By texting “Arkadelphia” to 91896, anyone can receive weather, street closures or other local emergency information. 

While many respondents were polite in regard to the mayor’s question, some were not so nice in their comments in posts shared on social media.

“That’s all part of it,” Byrd said, laughing. “I just wanted to get the public’s response before I voted on it. We need to know ash people are thinking.”