Anyone relying on text alerts from Nixle may need to find another means of notification, as the city of Athens has temporarily suspended service from the company.

An announcement posted to the city’s website and social media Jan. 2 announced the suspension, saying the municipality was grandfathered in for a free service but will no longer be eligible.

“Nixle can no longer sustain providing municipalities this free service,” according to the post.

City of Athens Communications Specialist Holly Hollman took over managing the service for Athens in 2011. Through the service, about 4,000 registered users received text alerts for road closings, weather and more, while about 2,000 received email alerts.

Hollman said she’s received several comments on social media from citizens who appreciated having the handy service. At the Jan. 14 meeting, the City Council could decide whether to pay for a contract with Nixle and continue the service.

It would cost the city $4,650 per year for three years with a one-time $372 implementation fee to set the service up, according to Hollman. With that price, though, comes a slew of services not previously available to Nixle users.

“This would add Spanish translation on messages,” she said. “We could target to individuals impacted in a small area, and it automatically rebroadcasts national weather service alerts.”

Whether the contract is pursued or not, Hollman said information will still be made available on the city’s Facebook (@AthensAlabama), Twitter (@AthensAL) and website (https://www.athensal.us).