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Council authorizes up to $750,000 from reserves for final Hurricane Helene debris removal, staff expect FEMA reimbursement
Summary
Malden authorized staff to draw up to $750,000 from unassigned fund balance to finish storm debris removal related to Hurricane Helene; staff said the city previously spent about $750,000 and expects total eligible costs of roughly $1.5 million with FEMA reimbursement likely within 6–9 months.
The Malden City Council authorized staff on Dec. 16 to appropriate up to $750,000 from the city's unassigned general‑fund balance to pay for final debris removal tied to Hurricane Helene storm damage.
City staff (recorded in the transcript as speaker 1, identified in remarks as 'Mr. Doakking' in the agenda introduction) said council had previously approved about $750,000 for initial emergency debris removal, hired a contractor (Bellmore) under the emergency procurement policy and now needs an additional allocation to complete cleanup. "The request tonight is for $750,000 for final debris removal from Hurricane Helene storm damage," the administrator told council.
Staff explained the $750,000 request is in addition to funds already spent and that the city's all‑in debris cost is now estimated at about $1.5 million; staff said FEMA and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) have indicated that eligible expenses can be reimbursed and that reimbursement could take about six to nine months after submission. Staff said they have geotagged remaining storm debris piles and will use those maps to guide the contractor's work with a goal of finishing by the end of January to allow reimbursement submission by March 31, 2025.
Councilmember Matney and others praised city departments' cleanup work. Council voted by voice to authorize staff to draw down the unassigned fund balance amount not to exceed $750,000 for final debris removal; the motion carried unanimously by 'aye' voice vote (no roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript).
Why this matters: The appropriation accelerates final cleanup work, which staff say is necessary to complete FEMA documentation and to obtain reimbursement for eligible costs. The city's approach uses local funds up front and relies on federal/state reimbursement rules.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the cleanup plan, finalize contractor selection, and submit a reimbursement package to FEMA/SCEMD after project completion.
