Consultant outlines FEMA cleanup process; commissioners table sole-source agreement while state role is clarified

A Del Sol Consulting representative (speaker 4) told the board that successful FEMA reimbursement typically involves three linked components: professional services to maximize eligibility scores, a location/chain-of-custody contractor to track debris from 'bridal to grave,' and the removal contractor. "Generally, when dealing with FEMA, there's 3 components to it to a successful project and reimbursement," the consultant said, describing the role Del Sol would play on eligibility and documentation.

County staff reported the state may be investigating hiring contractors to do all three legs and potentially serve as the FEMA applicant. That possibility led Commissioner (speaker 6) to move to table the sole-source consulting agreement so the county can learn whether the state will take the lead; the motion was seconded and carried. Commissioners directed staff to prepare bid documents so the county will be ready if it needs to solicit contractors, but they avoided a final authorization to spend until state intentions are clarified.