LYON COUNTY, MN — Lyon County has approved a new emergency mass notification system following a data breach involving its previous provider.
County commissioners voted Tuesday to enter into a five-year contract with Motorola RAVE, a service used to deliver emergency alerts to residents, particularly during severe weather events. The total cost of the contract is about $26,000, making it less expensive than the county’s former system.
The county stopped using CodeRED last fall after being notified of a major data breach. County officials said the breach was believed to have exposed user information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers and passwords. Lyon County’s contract with CodeRED was also set to expire in 2025, prompting officials to evaluate alternative options.
After reviewing about four vendors, county staff selected Motorola RAVE based on cost and functionality. The system provides the same core features as the previous service and integrates with the National Weather Service and the federal Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
The contract includes a one-time startup fee of $2,500 and an annual cost of $4,680, totaling $25,900 over five years. By comparison, the county paid more than $12,000 for its notification service in 2025 alone.
Funding for the new system will come from the county’s 911 and emergency management accounts.
