County amends highway budget for storm recovery; expects FEMA reimbursement but will use fund balance short term
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Summary
After a severe storm and large debris removal costs, the commission amended the highway department budget to add roughly $1.01 million (including raising contracted services to ~$800,000). Staff said federal reimbursement could cover up to 75% and the state may cover 12.5%; the county will use fund balance in the short term.
The highway department reported extensive storm‑related expenses after a severe ice event and requested an amendment to its 2025–26 budget to appropriate additional funds for personnel, equipment, maintenance and contracted services.
County staff explained contracted services and debris removal costs have risen and that the department has already spent close to the original $600,000 budgeted for storm response. Eddie and other highway staff said the current estimate for contracted services is near $800,000 and total storm expenses could run in the low millions for the county alone.
Connor (county emergency management) explained historical reimbursement practice: federal assistance can reimburse up to 75% of eligible costs, the state has in past incidents covered about 12.5%, leaving the county with approximately 12.5% responsibility, which can be partially offset by volunteer hours or in‑kind credits. Staff cautioned reimbursements can take more than a year to arrive—previous major events took 18–24 months to be reimbursed.
Commissioners discussed the need to have money in the account to pay contractors while awaiting reimbursements. The committee moved, amended to increase the contracted services line and appropriate the total (as discussed) and approved the amendment and appropriation by voice vote. Staff said they will return with a full accounting of unpaid overtime and departmental shortfalls in a separate resolution.