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Fountain council accepts FEMA grant to replace damaged City Hall fountain, will keep public design review
Summary
Council accepted FEMA grant reimbursement funding and amended the FY2025 budget to proceed with design and bidding for a decorative fountain at City Hall; staff said FEMA rules do not allow a play/splash fountain without added treatment and restroom infrastructure.
The Fountain City Council voted 5–0 on Aug. 12 to accept FEMA grant funds and amend the city’s 2025 budget to proceed with replacement of the City Hall fountain damaged in 2023 flooding.
Why it matters: Staff said FEMA will reimburse eligible costs up to a grant estimate; the city must match roughly 12–12.5% if the final project costs exceed FEMA’s estimate thresholds. Staff also clarified FEMA will not fund a play or splash fountain because current health‑department code would require expanded filtration and a bathhouse, raising costs and reducing green area at City Hall.
Parks staff showed an illustrative photo and explained the replacement must be a decorative fountain; any interactive or splash features would trigger additional treatment and restroom requirements. Staff said if the final project bids come in substantially below FEMA’s estimate, the city would keep unused FEMA funds for future park flood repairs under FEMA rules.
Councilmembers asked for public controls such as timers and for public review of final designs; staff said the process will include public feedback and a return to council with final designs and contractor bids. The resolution to accept the FEMA award and begin the process carried unanimously.
