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Select Board ends Norton state‑of‑emergency declaration; $158,000 in storm costs submitted for reimbursement
Summary
The board voted to end a local state‑of‑emergency declared during the blizzard; staff reported $158,000 in preliminary storm expenses submitted to MEMA for FEMA consideration and said additional eligible costs (pothole repair, debris removal) will be added before final submission.
The Select Board voted March 12 to end Norton’s local state‑of‑emergency declaration that had been put in place for a recent blizzard. Town staff reported initial storm costs of $158,000 submitted to MEMA and indicated those preliminary totals will be forwarded to FEMA for review of potential reimbursement.
Town officials said ending the local declaration would not hamper the reimbursement process and that additional eligible expenses (pothole repairs, debris removal, emergency equipment and overtime) can still be added to the claim while staff work with MEMA and FEMA. DPW Director Justin Chica described how hours and equipment are tracked and urged careful categorization of work so the town can document allowable costs.
Board members stressed the importance of keeping careful logs and separating normal maintenance from storm‑related emergency work; staff said they will continue to refine the cost list and meet with MEMA. The board voted by roll call to end the local emergency on the record.
