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Pike County judges and staff warn repeated washouts have cost millions, strain county budget
Summary
County leaders reported repeated post-flood washouts across eastern Pike County, said crews remain stretched, and said the county has spent more than $4 million from the general fund on flood repairs while awaiting FEMA and state reimbursements.
Judge (presiding) told the Pike County Fiscal Court on July 21 that repeated washouts since February have inflicted heavy damage across Feds Creek, Motley Fort, Big Hackney, Laurel and other hollers and that county crews remain stretched responding to new events.
"We've spent over $4,000,000 on flood repairs," the Judge (presiding) said, adding that the county has not yet received FEMA or state reimbursements for those emergency expenses. He said the county has submitted an urgent request to the state to reallocate remaining SAFE program funds and urged the legislature to consider additional aid.
The court discussed the limits on routine maintenance while crews respond to washouts and bridge damage. Road supervisor Fabian described crews working overnight and said washouts have scoured ditch lines "six foot deep or deeper," leaving crews focused on making roads passable before permanent repairs.
Finance staff Frankie told the court that this month's bills exceed $5.3 million and that a $2.0 million bridge repair will arrive on next month's bills. Frankie said the county has not yet received any FEMA payments for the 2025 flood event and that reimbursement could take about six weeks after FEMA completes damage assessments and obligates funds.
Court members discussed the county's financial exposure: Judge (presiding) said FEMA typically covers 75% of eligible costs but that the county could be responsible for roughly 13% of total damage, and warned that repeated events could exhaust the county's reserves. He said the court has spent roughly $4 million from the general fund so far on flood-related work and listed an estimated bridge repair at about $2.0–$2.4 million.
Court members and staff described practical limits on debris removal in streams. The Judge (presiding) noted federal permitting and environmental reviews often constrain when and how the county can place heavy equipment in waterways; a county supervisor added that debris removal in creeks was paused during a nesting/crawfish season but could resume in July.
Court members repeatedly thanked road crews for extended hours; the Judge (presiding) said crews have worked "sometimes seven days a week for weeks on end" and called for public patience while the county prioritizes emergency repairs over routine maintenance.
The court directed staff to monitor state SAFE fund allocations and FEMA obligations; members asked staff to add a proposal to establish a line of credit to the August 5 agenda if state funds or FEMA reimbursements do not materialize in time.
Ending: Court members closed by reiterating that repeated weather events and the limits of county authority and funding have constrained routine maintenance and emergency response, and they said they will present updated financial information at the next meeting and may seek temporary borrowing if reimbursements are not timely.
