Commission sets deadlines, tables some flood‑damaged properties after June flood; owners seek time and buyout options

The El Dorado City Commission on Sept. 15 considered a batch of resolutions finding structures unsafe or dangerous after flood and storm damage and directing owners to repair or remove structures and make premises safe.

Multiple property owners affected by the June flood appeared and described heavy damage: water levels above the floor, structural concerns and loss of personal property. Owners and their representatives asked for more time, said they lacked funds for demolition or repairs, and asked the city about options including tax adjustments, voluntary buyouts and assistance. Josh Albin, an attorney representing Hunter and Kayla Trotter, told the commission their home at 502 West Twelfth had 42 inches of floodwater and had been deemed unlivable.

The commission’s actions varied by property: it approved resolutions finding 937 North Oak and 1500 West Second unsafe and directed abatement; it approved a 90‑day commencement window for repairs at 1015 North Taylor (the owner said he purchased the property two weeks earlier and asked for extra time) and for 610 West Tenth to give the owner time to remove personal belongings. Two flood‑impacted Gordy Street properties (918 and 920 North Gordy) were tabled so staff can prepare options for discussion in a work session. The resolution for 502 West Twelfth was tabled for 45 days to allow staff to pursue voluntary buyout options or other assistance; 501 West Twelfth’s resolution was approved on the 30‑day schedule. 1125 North Walnut and several non‑flood properties were also found unsafe and subject to abatement timelines.

Owners described hardships and confusion about property lines, flood‑insurance disclosure and the city’s post‑flood response. One owner said she could not sell her home after a neighbor’s quick‑claim deed and disputed an apparent cancellation of flood insurance by a prior owner’s spouse. Another owner said she was forced to relocate to Arizona and had to pay $4,000 just to move personal items and could not afford demolition costs estimated by market contractors at roughly $8,500–$10,000.

City attorneys and staff explained the process. The city’s code allows the commission to set a deadline (commonly 30 days) to begin repairs or demolition; if owners do not comply the city may abate the nuisance, demolish the structure and assess the costs as a special assessment on the property. Staff also emphasized that FEMA sets minimum floodplain standards that local governments must adopt; one staff explanation noted that if repair costs exceed 50% of a structure’s value, local rules tied to FEMA requirements may preclude issuing a repair permit unless the home is elevated or otherwise brought into compliance.

City Manager David Dillner said the federal government did not make private‑assistance FEMA funds available for the recent event because the damage across the region did not meet FEMA’s threshold for that program, limiting options for private property reimbursement. The city is coordinating with a community relief fund, and staff said they would follow up with information on demolition cost estimates, possible city acquisition pathways and other options.

For properties where the commission approved abatement resolutions, the orders will be followed by staff notices and the usual administrative processes; for properties tabled the commission asked staff to prepare options and return in a work session.