The Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 22, 2025, featured a presentation on the TextMyGov program, aimed at enhancing communication between government agencies and residents. The program, which has been in operation since 2019, allows local governments to send alerts and receive inquiries from citizens through a simple text messaging system.

During the presentation, representatives highlighted the program's benefits, including increased citizen engagement, streamlined communication processes, and reduced phone call volumes. The system enables residents to opt in for notifications via a website widget, with an estimated 50% of households in Carroll County potentially enrolled automatically through a database import from USPS.

Key features of the TextMyGov program include mass text notifications, targeted messaging based on geographic areas, and automated responses to common inquiries. The program is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no app downloads or accounts for residents. It also offers 24/7 access, ensuring that citizens can receive information even outside regular office hours.

The estimated cost for implementing the basic package for Carroll County, which has a population of just over 20,000, is approximately $6,000, while a premium package with additional features, such as weather alerts, would be around $8,000. The board discussed the potential for multiple departments, including the sheriff's office, to have access to the system for sending out important alerts.

Overall, the introduction of TextMyGov could significantly improve communication between Carroll County officials and its residents, fostering a more engaged and informed community. The board is expected to consider the proposal further in upcoming meetings.