Wednesday, September 08, 1999
Tornado siren debate continues
Commissioners can't agree on value
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — Some commissioners and residents still hope that the wail of tornado sirens will warn the city's nearly 55,000 residents the next time a tornado passes through.
But after hearing a presen tation by Fire Chief John Sauter and Police Chief Bill Becker, at least two commissioners remained unconvinced of the latest proposal to spend $132,502 for 10 sirens.
Commissioners had a first reading on the proposal Tuesday. While the vote is two weeks away, it was clear there are still many opinions about the merits of an outdoor warning system. But one commissioner, Jim Armbruster, could represent the deciding vote. He declined to reveal his position Tuesday, but all other commissioners took a stand.
“Sirens are of questionable value with limited use to people in their homes and those asleep,” said Commission Chairman Earl Smith. “I would vote only for five sirens in parks.”
Commissioner Jerry Banks called sirens 1940s technology and said: “I can't support this. I think it's a misuse of money.”
Mr. Banks said sirens are outdoor warnings, but people outdoors can see a tornado coming and can get more information on television and radio.
But commissioners Robert “Sonny” Hill and David Schiavone said they are convinced many people inside would hear sirens.
“I think we should take the recommendation of the staff, purchase 10 sirens, put them up and get on with something else,” Mr. Hill said.
Commissioner Fred Sennet said he has wanted sirens for 20 years.
William Turner, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, urged commissioners to buy sirens.
A national debate over the effectiveness of tornado warning sirens has picked up locally since the April 9 tornado hit parts of Hamilton and Warren counties.
After hearing one proposal in May for nine electronic sirens with voice commands at an estimated cost of $230,908, plus installation of $2,000 to $4,000 each, Middletown commissioners delayed voting and asked for more information.
Union and Liberty townships, also in Butler County, will have new tornado sirens installed in October. Union's 11 sirens will cost about $148,000 installed, and Liberty's seven sirens about $97,000. Middletown could join those townships for a bulk price.
Middletown's fire and police chiefs and City Manager Ron Olson agree that the sirens would add a needed layer of protection for the city.
Mr. Olson told commissioners they need to make a decision and said Middletown is one of the few communities in southwest Ohio without sirens.
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