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Ohio County officials plan FEMA paperwork and consider subcontracting road repairs amid flood response
Summary
County leaders described ongoing flood response and planned a FEMA meeting to help residents file claims; they discussed using FEMA reimbursements to subcontract road repairs so county crews can focus on immediate needs.
County officials spent an extended portion of the March 24 meeting on flood response, damage assessment and potential use of FEMA reimbursement to speed repairs.
Officials said water remained high in parts of the county and that county crews, volunteer fire departments and other local groups had been delivering food and sandbags. The judge executive and several court members said they expected significant but undetermined property damage once floodwaters recede.
The court said it will host a meeting with FEMA at the courthouse to assist residents in filing paperwork; officials asked emergency-management staff to advertise the meeting once a date is set. The judge executive said he hoped the FEMA meeting would occur within two weeks but had not yet locked a date.
Several court members proposed subcontracting some road and drainage work to private firms that would accept FEMA reimbursement rates. The idea — discussed as a way to let county road crews continue routine maintenance such as mowing while outside contractors handle large, reimbursable flood repairs — drew cautious support. Officials said they would consult the road foreman and county staff about the feasibility and procurement steps.
Court members also raised localized issues including a river gauge at Hartford that appeared to be out of service and potential shoulder damage on minor roads that have seen heightened traffic because of detours.
No formal county procurement action or contract approvals were taken at the meeting; members said they would discuss options with road department leadership and report back.
