City Board approves transition to TextMyGov emergency messaging system

The City of Sweetwater, Tennessee, held its monthly Board of Commissioners meeting on April 7, 2025, where key discussions centered around the city's emergency messaging system. The meeting began with a review of the current contract with HyperReach, which is set to expire in one year. Jessica, a city representative, presented options for the messaging system moving forward.

The board considered transitioning to an unlimited package with HyperReach for $5,500 or maintaining the existing lower-tier package at $2,500. Jessica highlighted her research into alternative systems, particularly TextMyGov, which allows citizens to text issues directly to the city, such as reporting stray animals or maintenance problems. This feature, along with included cloud storage for documentation, distinguished TextMyGov from other options.

Jessica proposed initiating a contract with TextMyGov while keeping HyperReach active for a year to ensure a smooth transition. She noted that TextMyGov's pricing would be locked in at $5,500 annually for three years, with the possibility of waiving the setup fee if the agreement is signed by April 10. The board discussed the importance of having both systems operational during the storm season, ensuring that emergency alerts could still be sent out through HyperReach while testing TextMyGov.

The board ultimately moved to authorize the agreement with TextMyGov, allowing for both systems to run concurrently for one year. This decision aims to enhance communication with residents and streamline reporting processes, while also providing a safety net with HyperReach during the transition period. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the proposed plan, setting the stage for improved emergency messaging capabilities in Sweetwater.