EMA reports 33 homes affected by flooding; council approves short-term transfers for response

Harrison County Emergency Management reported on April 14 that recent flooding affected 33 homes and urged prompt damage assessments and short-term assistance for residents.

Harrison County EMA director Mr. Kurz said the county should consider deploying dumpsters to help residents dispose of damaged property and warned that traditional aid channels could be too slow to meet urgent needs. "Thirty-three homes were affected and we need damage assessments; traditional channels may take too long," Mr. Kurz told the council.

County Auditor Chad Shireman and council members discussed using internal transfers to provide immediate funding. Councilman Kyle Nix moved to transfer $45,000 from Capital Outlays-EMS to Emergency Medical Services in the Local Public Health Services Fund to support emergency medical supplies and response; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Later in the meeting the council approved a $5,000 transfer from Telephone-Communications to Contractual Services in the Commissioners' budget to allow immediate spending for disaster response.

Auditor Shireman framed the transfers as a short-term measure, with the possibility of returning later in the year for formal additional appropriations if longer-term funding is needed. The council’s actions freed immediate funds so staff could begin assessments and provide targeted support to affected residents.

The council also authorized Chairman Donnie Hussung to attend the April 21 county commissioners meeting to begin discussions about researching tax-increment financing (TIF) districts and forming a redevelopment commission; Hussung abstained from that vote. The council adjourned at about 7:33 p.m.