Gila County continues flood recovery under declared emergency; manager seeks expedited federal and state reimbursements

Gila County’s state of emergency declaration from recent flooding remains in effect, county management reported, and staff are working to speed recovery work using federal and state programs that reimburse more quickly than FEMA, county management said.

Mr. Menlove, the county manager, told the Board that the county has re-engaged Homero Vela, a former public works director, as a consultant and contractor to coordinate recovery planning and to maximize state and federal reimbursements. “We are still under a declared state of emergency,” he said, and the county is compiling project costs and identifying the projects that must be done to qualify for programs such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Manager Menlove emphasized NRCS because those projects can produce quicker reimbursements—potentially monthly—whereas FEMA can take years for reimbursement. He cautioned that once projects are committed through NRCS, the county will face a tight timeline for design and completion. The manager said he currently has delegated authority to sign contracts below $50,000 during the declared emergency and that contracts above that amount will require chairman signature and later board confirmation.

Menlove also warned the board the county may need to consider short-term financing or a loan to cover upfront costs while awaiting reimbursements; he said staff will return to the board to confirm any such requests. He asked supervisors to expect regular updates and offered staff (including the public works team and consultant) as points of contact for detailed project lists and timing.

What’s next: staff will continue cost-collection, pursue NRCS opportunities for rapid reimbursement where eligible, and bring any requests for interim financing or large contracts back to the board for confirmation.