Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Alma staff report 'high water event,' to submit public-asset claims; private basement damage not eligible for county funding
Loading...
Summary
City staff reported a series of heavy rain events that prompted 23 calls for lateral backups, seven street closures and four roadways with water over them; staff said the county declared a state of emergency and that available county funds only cover public assets, not private basement damage.
City staff briefed the Alma City Commission on April 14 about a recent series of heavy rains described in the meeting as a "high water event." Staff said the city received 23 calls related to the event, with 22 of those callers reporting lateral backups, and that seven streets required full closure at peak and four locations had water over the roadway.
"We did have 23 phone calls... That's the number," the staff member said, describing the volume of reports the city received. Staff said the county declared a state of emergency, has held webinars for communities that wish to submit claims, and that only publicly owned assets are eligible for the county's submission under the current guidance. The staff member said private basement flooding and private property claims are not eligible for that funding stream and that the city does not carry insurance that covers sanitary sewer backup: "We do not carry insurance for sanitary sewer backup... that was about $15,000 a month premium," the staff member said, recounting earlier insurance estimates.
Staff told commissioners the city will compile a submission of public-asset damages (examples cited include culvert and erosion damage on Heather Lane and another small public repair) to the county for possible reimbursement as part of the county's state-emergency submission. The staff member said they have been in contact with the city's attorney and insurance consultants to prepare letters and documentation for affected residents and for the county submission. Commissioners did not direct additional action beyond authorizing staff to proceed with the submissions and follow-ups.
Context and next steps: staff asked that residents continue to report problems so the city can document damage to public infrastructure; staff will work with the county for the state submission and will notify residents about what the county program does and does not cover.
