In this case, the local morons didn't do anything with the notices they were provided, so even the phone alerts did not go out. This was then a double whammy because it was deep night when most people are in their deepest sleep.
It's also the fact that the moron's past decisions specifically about this have come to light where they decided to spend money elsewhere. That never looks good. So unless that money cured cancer or something in that realm, it won't be any less horrible than if it was used to pay for upgrading government offices.