Council hears FEMA reimbursement delays; concession‑stand award cut, $300,000 wastewater repair flagged as potential town expense

Town Manager Terry told the Narrows Town Council on Nov. 10 that flood‑recovery reimbursements from FEMA remain incomplete more than a year after the event: the town has received one of six expected payouts and four projects are now obligated (approved) for payment.

Terry said the Lourdes Road ball‑fields project totaled $44,740; FEMA reimbursed 75% ($33,555), the state provided about $8,500, and the town’s share amounted to roughly $2,684. He also said the town is eligible for a $5,015 reimbursement for staff management time that will be paid at 100%.

A more consequential loss, Terry said, involves the concession‑stand building between ballfields. That claim exceeded $30,000 but FEMA reduced the award by roughly half because the town did not carry flood insurance on the building; the town will absorb approximately $15,000 of that claim and FEMA now requires the town to obtain and maintain flood insurance for that building going forward. Terry noted the claim’s internal estimate allocated about $7,800 to the building and about $20,000 to contents based on the town’s submission.

Terry raised a larger concern about an anticipated $300,000 repair bill at the wastewater treatment plant for electrical and conduit repairs. He warned that if FEMA reimburses only part of that cost (he used the example of $150,000), the town would still be responsible for the remainder plus its normal cost‑share (about 6%), which could leave the town with a material out‑of‑pocket expense. To address the risk, Terry said he arranged a technical meeting this week with plant staff, engineers (Thompson), the mayor and council members to review options — including limited self‑insurance, deferring some repairs, or pursuing regional consolidation with Parisburg.

Councilors and staff also clarified FEMA rules: FEMA public‑assistance pays to restore facilities to pre‑flood condition but generally will not fund upgrades; by contrast the generator project mentioned is tied to DHCD funding and would not be eligible under FEMA public‑assistance as an upgrade. Terry said the town is working with neighboring Narrows, Parisburg and the New River Valley Regional Commission on a hazard‑mitigation funding package and that state FEMA staff have been encouraging about the region’s prospects.

Terry emphasized that FEMA reimburses only after the town spends the money and submits documentation, creating a cash‑flow challenge while projects are pending. He urged council oversight of large expenditures and said staff will return with recommendations after the technical meeting.