Marthasville aldermen Tuesday night agreed to purchase a radio alert system to sound the city’s emergency warning siren in the event of severe weather. Official action, however, will be delayed for a month since the item was not listed on the city’s meeting agenda. During the board of aldermen meeting Tuesday, Mayor Dale Verges commented that he had received a phone call from an individual out of town who expressed concerns that the siren was not in working order during a recent storm that led to a tornado warning being issued for the county. The person has family who live in the city. The siren is located on top of the water tower next to city hall and has not been working for some time. Alderman Jim Struckhoff was set to make a motion authorizing the purchase of a radio alert system. He said it would cost the city $912 upfront to get the siren working and then an additional $100-$200 for an upgrade. The upgrade will be in conjunction with the 911 dispatch radio improvements, Struckhoff said, and would be ready in around two years. “I suggest we spend the money now,” Struckhoff said. “I think we need to do it now.” Since the siren discussion was not listed on the agenda, city attorney Chris Graville recommended the board delay any action until the next meeting. When discussion focused on whether the mayor was authorized to approve purchases in an emergency situation, an ordinance could not be located in a review of the city’s code book. In January, the board first discussed the need to test the emergency siren more frequently. Members agreed then to test the siren each month, at the same time a countywide test is triggered by Warren County 911 dispatch. Verges, meanwhile, advised residents to purchase a weather radio, should they be unable to hear the siren. The National Weather Service, according to city officials, said the sirens are designed to alert people who are outside their residence. Verges said his radio alerts him to warnings in Warren and Franklin counties. It cost him around $40. “It’s money well spent,” he said. “It’s probably the best warning you’re going to get.” Alderman Leo Tobben also stated the siren is hard to hear unless you live close by, but agreed that it was money well spent if it saves one life.