Delaware County residents will decide the fate of a proposed county-wide siren system November 3.
Commissioner Tommy Thompson says it's a perfect example of democracy in action. He didn't think it was right for commissioners to decide on the issue alone.
Approximately 50 warning sirens would cover the entire county.
Voters face two separate issues to pay for the plan: a .4-mill tax for construction and implementation and a .1-mill tax for maintenance.
Both taxes would last one year but the estimated $620,000 generated from the maintenance issue would last ten years.
The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $12.25 for the .4-mill tax. The cost for a homeowner of a $100,000 home for the .1-mill tax would be $3.06 -- for a combined total of $15.31.
Thompson said he's heard mixed reviews from various residents, so he doesn't know what will happen on Election Day.
"I guess I'm of the opinion, I want the citizens to decide. You know, decide if you want us to have it or you don't want us to have it. If you ask me, I can't personally put a value on a human life," Thompson said.
Currently, the City of Delaware, Sunbury and Galena have separate systems. The new system would combine them and provide warnings for rural residents currently without sirens in their areas.
A new siren system would also help to warn 2 million people who visit Delaware County as tourists each year.
Thompson said the sirens would have battery back-up.
Companies are competing for the business of providing the sirens, so the cost is actually decreasing.
Thompson said the county commissioners have not yet decided on one company.
For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement