Lowndes County says more than $9 million in FEMA debris reimbursements remains unpaid; fire department outlines prevention events
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Summary
County officials told commissioners that Lowndes County has received many FEMA disaster reimbursements but still expects more than $9 million in debris reimbursement; the county previously accepted an expedited advance of roughly $13 million.
County Manager Miss Dukes told the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners that most FEMA debris funding related to recent hurricanes has been received but the county still awaits a substantial reimbursement settlement primarily for debris costs.
Emergency Management Director Ashley Tai said the county has received most debris payments and several smaller checks are processing, but “we have about 9 a little over $9,000,000 is what were still owed.” Tai said the county received an expedited advance of roughly $13,000,000 to cover immediate costs and that the large remaining balance will likely be processed after additional documentation and could appear in the next fiscal year. Tai estimated it could take another three to four months for the paperwork to move through the state and federal processes but said some smaller reimbursements should arrive sooner.
Miss Dukes noted the county expects roughly $56,000 in administrative reimbursement for staff time spent compiling FEMA paperwork to close out one storm file; she said that amount would close out the countys obligations for that event. County staff said the expedited funding helped avoid short-term borrowing to cover response costs.
In related updates, Lowndes County Fire Rescue Chief Young reported Octobers fire-prevention theme is lithium-ion battery safety; staff have presented the message to about 3,500 students and are holding a golf tournament fundraiser at Quiet Pines this week to support the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Chief Young said community partners donated food and raffle items; the county will receive 10% of funds raised back to buy fire-prevention materials.
Miss Dukes also said the county will participate in Operation Greenlight next week and light the courthouse green in support of veterans.
No formal actions or votes were recorded on the FEMA timing or fire-prevention items; the presentation was informational.
