IT director proposes text messaging app

Holly Springs IT director Derrick Jefferson proposed an application that will help with rapid communications via text messaging for use by the Holly Springs Utility Department, the city and for other uses at the Oct. 1 meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen.

“As you all know we have been talking about a text messaging system and the best way to do it,” said Mayor Sharon Gipson. “This will help us not just on the utility side but on the general city. It will enable us to contact and communicate with our residents and ratepayers on a more consistent basis.”

Jefferson provided key information that the system AT&T offers, saying it will help HSUD and the court system to get messages out rapidly and to specific individuals who need the system.

He said the software he recommends will integrate with the city’s AT&T phone system service. It offers a map where specific geographic areas can be circled to target phones with text messages in cases such as a water main leak or a power outage in a specific area, instead of broadcasting the message to say all 18,000 electric customers.

“We’ll be able to use it for storms, if we want,” Jefferson said.

AT&T’s team will help the city obtain QR codes and link it to the city’s webpage where citizens can sign up. The law requires it, he said.

“It will get the ball rolling and pretty much get us caught up with the latest technology,” Jefferson said.

At least two ways of signing up are required. Customers can scan the QR code at the cashier’s window when paying a bill, and then signup.

Ward 3 alderman Colter Teel asked if a local phone number will be provided to send a text message.

“It will be a little crazy number like 18639,” Jefferson said. “Something like that.” Uses for rapid and specific notification of customers include when a water leak has been discovered or when an accident affects a specific area, or when a city department needs to send a text message.

“So, it will keep everything organized,” Jefferson said.

He said each department can relay their message and he will be the main manager and oversee the account.

“I highly recommend this,” he said.

Aldermen asked about costs and how it would be budgeted.

The first time setup cost is $8,000, then there is a monthly payment of $1,800, Jefferson said.

The package provides the map and QR codes and everything else in the monthly fee.

Ward 4 alderman Patricia Merriweather asked if the project was bid out and how it would be paid.

“This is my first time to hear it tonight, so are you bringing it to us for the idea of getting text messaging for better communication across the city and HSUD?” she asked.

“Everything I do is for the city,” Jefferson said. “This is a great asset for us.” He said communication by smart phone texts is a convenient way for residents and an ideal way to go.

He looked at three companies before recommending AT&T’s product.

“This is the best deal we had on the table,” Jefferson said. “They are the only one who has map service and we are going to need that for the utility department.

“Where does this (expense item) come out of, Madam Clerk?” Merriweather asked.

Jerrica Jones said it can come out of the IT department or be broken down by department.

Merriweather asked to table the decision until the board could be apprised of the other companies that made quotes and their products.

“I think this is a great idea,” said Ward 3 alderman Colter Teel. “I thank you for spearheading this. It’s a great way to communicate and that’s been a struggle for us. You looked it up, and two others, and this is what you think is right?”