Jefferson residents are reminded about a mass texting service that is live today.

City Administrator Scott Peterson says the carrier, TextMyGov, is sending an initial text to all cell phones of residents that submitted their name and number to City Hall and from what the carrier found from water bills, about the service. The message will come from “91896” the City of Jefferson to initiate the service. Peterson notes that anyone can opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to “91896.” 

Peterson points out TextMyGov will be used for city-related information and other emergencies that are issued. He reminds everyone why the city is using this mass texting service.

“We really want to do what we can to encourage communication. You know I really want our citizens to know what’s going on in their community. And this is one way that’s really become an expectation that folks want to hear about it, and they want to hear about it instantaneously. And this is one way that we can do that.”   

According to city staff, if someone did not receive the initial text message, they can opt-in by texting the keyword “JEFFERSON IA” in all capital letters to the number “91896.” Once the keyword is sent, a message is sent back asking to reply “YES” to be included. Anyone with questions can contact City Hall at 515-386-3111 or email Sarah Morlan at sarahm@cityofjeffersoniowa.org.