Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disaster Recovery Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve budget amendment to cover hurricane debris removal; county expects up to $24 million in costs
Summary
Burke County approved a budget amendment to cover hurricane-related debris removal and emergency costs, with county officials saying total hurricane-related expenses could reach about $20–24 million and that FEMA/GEMA reimbursements are arriving in phases.
Burke County commissioners approved a budget amendment to ensure funds are available to complete hurricane debris removal and related work, with county staff estimating total hurricane expenses could approach $20–24 million.
County staff said the debris hauler’s work was expected to finish this week and that they were preparing final bills. The county reported it has received about $6 million in FEMA and GEMA reimbursements so far, has approximately $7 million more in paperwork already submitted and expects to receive additional reimbursements after ongoing processing; staff characterized federal reimbursements as slow but said further payments are expected.
The board approved a motion to amend the budget up to a maximum of $24,000,000 to ensure all storm-related expenses and closeout costs can be paid while staff completes federal reimbursement processes. Officials said they would continue to meet FEMA deadlines and to pursue remaining claims. One county official noted the paperwork for another approximately $7,000,000 was processed and pending, and that staff were meeting with FEMA to pursue additional reimbursement.
Commissioners said they approved the amendment to avoid returning to the board repeatedly as final invoices are processed; officials told the public that some FEMA and GEMA obligations and reimbursements would continue to be reconciled in the coming weeks.
