Fulton County, Illinois

Fulton County Area Agencies have teamed up with Nixle to bring a platform allowing residents to “opt in” to a system that sends emergency alerts to their cellphones and emails.

The system will allow the Fulton County Sherriff’s Office, Canton Police Department and Fulton County Emergency Operation Center to send emergency alerts to area residents who opt in to the system thru text messages or emails.

There is no charge for residents to use the system; however normal text messaging rates from their cellphone providers may apply.  The concept is a partnership between Fulton County Emergency Telephone Switchboard (ETSB), Fulton County Sherriff’s Office, Canton Police Department and Fulton County ESDA.  “We’ve been discussing various systems with different approaches. The Nixle Platform allows us to bring a system that can reach out to our residents and provide them with critical information in an incident and prior to an incident. The system is not designed or intended to replace the Emergency Alert System, such as weather alert radios or emergency broadcasts from local media. The system is more of a supplement to that,” says Chris Helle Fulton County ESDA Director.  In previous large scale incidents such as after the Joplin Tornado, cell phone calls were difficult to make and other communication systems were down. However, text messaging was still working.  The system will be used to send out emergency alerts, missing person notifications, hazardous material spills, severe weather information and other critical information before, during and after an incident.

The system will only be used for emergency alerts and other public safety issues. Resident’s cell phone information will not be sold to a third party.  In order to sign up for the system residents can visit www.nixle.com or text FCEOC to 888777 and their cell phones will be automatically enrolled. The process takes on average less than 10 minutes online or a simple text message.

Residents with questions about the system can contact Fulton County ESDA at 309-647-3358.

JOB TITLE:  Appraiser - Grade 4

DEPARTMENT:  Assessment Office

REPORTS TO:  Supervisor of Assessments

BASIC FUNCTIONS:  Perform the appraisal of rural, urban, and light commercial property.  Inspect rural, urban, mobile home and commercial property for quality construction, condition and functional design assuring accurate appraisal of market value; appropriate market value for tax assessments. Work independently and maintain broad scope of knowledge re: building and related construction practices for rural, urban, mobile home, commercial and land values. Values all real estate in the county, whether it be new construction or re-evaluation of existing structures. Defend all appraisals before the County Board of Review andlor the State Property Tax Appeal Board. Explain appraisals and appraisal methods to the public. This position is a union position and works cooperatively and effectively with the public and other employees.