Staff writer
Marion will change the way residents are notified of events such as power and water outages.
City administrator Roger Holter told council members at Monday’s meeting that social media notifications reached only about 200 of the city’s 1,800 residents.
“That has not been successful,” Holter said.
Instead, Holter recommended the city alert residents through OnSolve through the OnSolve company. Residents who sign up for text, voice message, e-mail, short message service, or integrated public alert and warning services will receive alerts through OnSolve’s Code Red message system.
OnSolve can send messages to subscribers in select neighborhoods or to an entire community.
A link for Marion residents to sign up for messages, and select the type of message they want, will be posted on the city’s web page.
Public service messages can also be posted on a community information sign at the intersection of Main and Elm Sts.
The sign, donated by Marion Pride committee and other donors, will be used for community announcements such as activities or events, public service and emergency announcements, community recognition and appreciation announcements.