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Council authorizes paperwork to participate in NRCS watershed buyback; city’s cash match capped at $1.8M
Summary
Staff told council the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection buyback values the targeted properties at about $21 million; the contract requires a 25% local match (~$5M) but the city is only authorized to spend $1.8M in cash and will proceed with the paperwork so matching expenditures and reimbursements can be managed.
City staff presented the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection buyback program and requested authorization to sign the federal contract so the program can proceed. "That dollar amount came out to about $21,000,000," Patrick said, adding that the city's contractual obligation at 25% would be roughly $5,000,000 but council previously authorized only $1,800,000 in cash; "this is really just a paperwork issue so that we can sign the contract," he told council.
Patrick explained the program's deed restrictions: when the city acquires a property it must remove structures and restrict future structural improvements to reduce flood risk. He said staff will pursue a staged approach, contacting an initial list of about 10 property owners ready to participate, and submit reimbursements to NRCS after demolition and grading are complete. Council approved the authorization 7–0.
