How Fiscal Conservatism May Have Stalled Kerr County’s Life-Saving Flood Warning System

In the aftermath of the devastating flooding in Kerr County on July 4, discussions have emerged about the absence of flood warning sirens along the Guadalupe River. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly pointed out that community pushback on costs contributed to this lack of safety measures, leading to nearly 100 lives lost due to the flooding.

Kerr County, a community that has consistently supported President Donald Trump in recent elections, has developed an economy centered around the river’s beauty. However, local leaders admit that more needs to be done to manage flood risks. The call for a $1 million flood warning system, crucial for protecting residents, faced resistance due to a tight budget. Historical records show a delicate balance between wanting safety and keeping taxes low.

Former Kerr County Judge Tom Pollard emphasized the county’s conservative nature, both politically and financially. This attitude can be seen in how the commissioners have managed flood safety conversations over the years.

Local meteorologist Cary Burgess has observed the growing development along the river. As more people, both Texans and newcomers, flock to the area for recreation, they often overlook the river’s dangers. Burgess warned, “They’ve been building up and building up, and people don’t realize what this river is capable of.”

The population has surged from 35,000 in the 1980s to about 53,000 today. Since 2016, there’s been an ongoing acknowledgment of the urgent need to improve flood warning systems. Kerr County has fallen behind neighboring areas in this respect, where modern systems are in place.

In a meeting back in 2016, Commissioner Tom Moser noted that while the county was among the highest flood-prone areas, its warning system was outdated. The only alerts currently available were simple flashing lights at river crossings—far from sufficient.

Despite applying for a FEMA grant for flood safety upgrades, including sirens and water gauges, the application was denied due to a lack of a current hazard mitigation plan. This setback meant that priority was given to counties impacted by more recent disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey.

There has been a shift in government priorities lately. With the funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Kerr County received $10.2 million to spend on various community needs. Surprisingly, there was no allocation for the flood warning systems, despite ongoing discussions about their necessity. A survey of residents showed that many were against accepting these federal funds, primarily due to political beliefs. Criticism grew around the spending choices, as a significant amount went into public safety communications and county jobs instead.

As the recent flood disaster continued to provoke anger among residents, the need for a flood warning system became a focal point. Ingram City Council member Raymond Howard expressed frustration after experiencing the chaos firsthand. He rallied his neighbors to evacuate when alarms blared during the flood, but the lack of a robust warning system weighed heavily on his mind.

Former Texas House representative Harvey Hilderbran noted a common trend in Texas: disasters spark accountability. He emphasized the challenges of financing vital safety measures in conservative environments where residents often resist higher taxes to pay for necessary improvements.

Ingram City Council member Howard, who despite his medical challenges, remains determined to ensure a flood warning system is in place for his town. He has even pinpointed a location for installing sirens near the local fire department.

This incident has left a mark on the community. The calls for action echo louder than ever as the people of Kerr County seek to ensure that their safety is prioritized, without sacrificing their values or facing the devastating impact of flooding again.



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