Evansville council adopts extension of joint local emergency proclamation to document flood damages for FEMA

The Evansville Common Council on May 19 unanimously adopted Resolution C-20-25-17 extending a jointly declared local emergency so Vanderburgh County and the City of Evansville can document flood-related damages for state and federal aid.

City staff told the council that under Indiana law the executive branch may declare a local disaster for up to seven days and “anything beyond that needs to be approved by the governing body,” which is why the council was asked to approve an extension covering the period after the initial seven days and through the day after the meeting.

Council members asked whether a further extension might be necessary; staff said the extension reflected the recommendation of the local Emergency Management Agency and that the council may return for another extension if needed. During debate a council member moved to amend the resolution to designate the entire council as sponsors; that amendment was seconded, adopted by voice vote, and incorporated into the measure.

The council took a roll-call vote on the final resolution. Councilman Trakman; Councilwoman Mosby; Councilman Hieronymus; Councilwoman Kayler Lindsey; Councilman Brinkmeyer; Councilwoman Allen; Councilman Johnson; and Councilman Green each recorded “aye.” There were 8 ayes, 0 nays; Resolution C-20-25-17 was declared adopted.

The staff explanation and the council’s adoption are intended to allow Vanderburgh County and Evansville to have local declarations on record so the state can compute damages and, where applicable, seek FEMA assistance. The resolution and amendment do not themselves authorize spending; they extend the locally declared emergency for administrative purposes and to preserve eligibility for state and federal damage assessments.