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FEMA reimbursements increase; county has $3.6M approved and $1.9M pending as vetting continues
Summary
County representatives reported FEMA has approved $3.6 million for Hurricane Michael-related claims (about $1.5M already received and $1.9M in advanced payables being processed); state vetting remains underway for additional damage items including fabric/sod reimbursements and the status of rock/asphalt treatments.
County staff reported an update on FEMA and disaster reimbursement for Hurricane Michael (and related events). The county’s disaster coordinator said FEMA approvals now total approximately $3.6 million; $1.5 million has been received by the county and another $1.9 million has reached the state payables queue (under review and expected to arrive shortly).
Staff explained that FEMA’s vetting process originally excluded certain line items; as the state contractor completed reviews some items (for example, fabric and sod used on dirt‑to‑pavement repairs) were reclassified at higher eligible rates and additional payments followed. County staff said they are in frequent (biweekly) calls with the state and its vetting contractor to track outstanding reimbursements and eligibility determinations. The county has also received partial reimbursement for interest costs tied to the line of credit taken to fund immediate disaster repairs.
County officials said they expect continuing vetting of more complex items — notably asphalt and crushed rock treatments — and that final resolution may require additional review or arbitration. County staff described progress as steady and said they expect the county’s line‑of‑credit debt to be satisfied sometime later in the year if vetting continues at the current pace.
Commissioners asked for regular updates and were invited to join biweekly FEMA/state calls as listeners for status briefings.
