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Myrtle Creek council hears about flood damage; city estimates about $700,000 in FEMA-eligible losses
Summary
City Administrator Lonnie Rainville told the Myrtle Creek City Council the city is deep into flood cleanup, notified FEMA of about $700,000 in potential losses, and identified two expensive storm-repair needs that may require a budget adjustment or interfund transfer.
At its April 1 meeting, the Myrtle Creek City Council received a detailed update on flood cleanup and potential infrastructure repairs from City Administrator Lonnie Rainville. He said crews continue jetting debris, camera‑inspecting storm lines and evaluating damage after recent flooding, and that Evergreen Park remains closed while repairs proceed.
Lonnie Rainville said two potentially costly repairs were identified: a sinkhole on Laurance Street and a storm line failure near the Red Barn on North Myrtle Road that "blew the road apart." Title reports for the Laurance properties show the utilities are within dedicated easements, and the city attorney is reviewing whether those easements make the city responsible for repairs. Lonnie said the city may bring a budget adjustment or an interfund transfer forward to cover repair costs.
The administrator also said Mill Street will need repaving after flood damage and that the Planning Commission’s recent Flood Plain amendment hearing drew roughly 30–35 attendees; the commission is expected to decide in April and send a model ordinance to council in May. Lonnie reported that the city has submitted a preliminary loss estimate to FEMA of about $700,000 covering street and storm system damage; he described the figure as a potential loss, not a final settlement.
Councilor Robert Chaney suggested the city consider creating a Natural Disaster Reserve line item. Councilors also discussed timing for repairs and the limits of city authority where private property and utility easements are involved.
Next steps include the city attorney’s review of responsibility for the identified repairs, possible budget adjustments or interfund transfers to cover immediate repairs, and follow-up reports to the council as the FEMA process and repair estimates are refined.
