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Brown County officials say FEMA preliminary damage estimate rose to about $4.5 million; reimbursement, tracking discussed
Summary
County staff told commissioners that state and FEMA damage assessments raised the county's initial storm-repair estimate from roughly $3 million to about $4.5 million; officials urged tight time and cost tracking and discussed hiring local contractors, with reimbursement contingent on documentation and federal approval.
Brown County commissioners heard a staff update on storm damage and federal assessments that indicated the county’s initial repair estimate could exceed the earlier $3 million figure.
Agency official (speaker 2) told the commission that state and FEMA teams inspected township roads and bridges and "they're thinking we're gonna be more than 4 and a half million dollar deal," a rough, initial estimate that officials said could change after receipts and a final accounting. The teams mapped damage across multiple townships and focused inspections on washed-out sections of road and debris piled against bridge abutments.
Commissioner (speaker 4) pressed officials to create separate cost codes and require crews to record hours and materials to avoid bundling routine maintenance with reimbursable disaster work. "We need to set up a cost code," the commissioner said, arguing that precise tracking will be necessary to ensure federal and state reimbursements are properly applied.
Staff said hiring local contractors to accelerate repairs is permissible and reimbursable, provided the county documents expenses and turns in receipts. "You can do that. 100% reimbursable," the agency official said when asked whether contractor work would affect eligibility.
Commissioners also discussed bridge work and access limitations: some repairs can be done from the deck with specialized equipment, but work near crop fields will likely need to wait until fields are cleared. Officials described using a debris-lift truck and prioritizing removal of rock and other rubble so roads are passable.
The agency official said the state and FEMA will finalize reports and submit them for federal review in Washington, D.C., and the county must wait for formal approval and funding decisions. "If Washington DC signs this and the money becomes available, then we will get reimbursed," the chair noted during the discussion, summarizing the reimbursement process.
The commission agreed to follow up with townships to ensure they are tracking hours and costs, and to update the board monthly or sooner if major changes occur. No formal vote on repairs or contracting was recorded; commissioners instead directed staff to continue coordination and documentation.
