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Ladue council reviews 7 Trails End flood-buyout after FEMA recalculation raises local cost
Summary
City staff told the council updated FEMA Benefit-Cost Ratio calculations and an increased appraisal raised the estimated project cost to about $874,860, producing a local funding gap of roughly $201,498; council directed staff to contact the homeowner and indicated a cap of a 25% city share (about $227,000).
During the May 18 council meeting, City staff reported that an updated appraisal and revised FEMA Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) calculations altered the financial outlook for a proposed voluntary buyout at 7 Trails End.
Staff advised that, under the updated FEMA methodology, the project no longer met the minimum BCR threshold as originally modeled. To maintain a 1.0 BCR, staff said the allowable project budget would be approximately $673,362, with the City's 25% share estimated at about $168,340. However, the updated appraised value and revised project budget increased the estimated total cost to roughly $874,860, resulting in an additional local funding gap of about $201,498 and a potential City contribution exceeding the previously budgeted amount.
Council discussed that the property is not located in a mapped floodplain, which contributed to a higher appraisal than prior buyouts. The Stormwater Advisory Committee forwarded the matter to council without a recommendation. Council provided direction to staff to contact the homeowner to gauge interest in contributing to the acquisition and indicated the City's participation would be capped at a maximum 25% local share contribution of approximately $227,000.
No formal vote was taken; the matter will proceed based on staff outreach and further review of grant eligibility and local funding options.
