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Mason County approves cleanup of tornado‑damaged Minerva School; county to pursue FEMA reimbursement
Summary
The fiscal court voted to proceed with remediation of the damaged Minerva School property, approving a contractor‑recommended remediation approach estimated at about $5,500 and authorizing the county to file lien(s) and pursue FEMA reimbursement if eligible.
County staff told the fiscal court on June 11 that the Minerva School site — damaged by tornado activity earlier in April — remains a community nuisance and that outreach to owners had not yielded a response. Staff reported they had discussed options with contractor Steve Thomas, who recommended against hauling the masonry debris to the landfill and instead encapsulating the material in the existing basement and covering it with dirt to reduce liabilities and costs.
County staff said the remediation estimate from the contractor is approximately $5,500; the court has $25,000 budgeted annually for property cleanup and abatement. Staff also noted that FEMA reimbursement is possible but could take multiple years to materialize.
Commissioners moved to green‑light the remediation plan and authorized county staff to proceed with posting and notice requirements under the nuisance ordinance and to file liens against the property after cleanup if necessary. The motion carried on a roll call vote.
Court members said the remediation approach was recommended to reduce disposal liabilities and to secure the site for public safety. Staff said they would finalize notices with legal counsel and proceed with remediation work immediately while pursuing any eligible disaster reimbursement.
