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Board approves emergency cleanup and repair invoices; officials flag FEMA reimbursement and contract questions
Summary
The board approved invoices and contracts related to storm and hurricane cleanup — tree removal, perimeter fencing repairs and a $156,440.15 payment to BELFOR USA for restoration work — and members discussed reimbursement from FEMA and the absence of a fully approved contract for some work.
The board approved three categories of storm-related payments and repairs on motions taken during the meeting.
For tree-removal and debris work performed during a storm, the board approved invoices for Morgan Tree Service after staff described three emergency cleanups (including a tree threatening a high-school building and equipment damage near a fuel pump). Miss Thompson moved to approve the Morgan Tree invoices; Miss Gibson seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.
The board approved two fencing contracts from Sam’s (Sims) Fencing for perimeter and tennis-court repairs damaged in the storm. Miss Hagan moved and Miss Knight seconded the motion; the board voted 5-0 to approve the quotes.
The board also approved payment of $156,440.15 to BELFOR USA Group for emergency restoration services (water removal and related work the insurance company required). Members discussed that BELFOR had performed work on an emergency basis and that the district owes payment for services already performed. Board members and staff expressed concern about reconciling the invoice with a formal contract and whether the district could recoup costs from FEMA. The superintendent and staff said they would follow up with Synergy (the district’s emergency coordinator) to confirm reimbursability and to reconcile contracts; the motion to pay BELFOR, moved by Miss Gibson and seconded by Miss Knight, passed 5-0.
Board members said many of these emergency actions were required to protect students and facilities and that they expected staff to continue documenting work, contracts, and FEMA-related paperwork to support reimbursement claims. The board did not vote on any FEMA application during the meeting; staff said they would follow up and provide additional documentation to ensure reimbursement where eligible.
