by Kathy Foster
Meeting in a special session May 2nd, Washington County Board of County Commissioners noted that Hurricane Michael was more costly then anyone anticipated and the State is not really in good financial shape, but they are concerned that no Federal Declaration has been issued.
Commissioners were called in to review information snet out by the Florida Deivsion Emergency Management that updated the process for applying for public assistance.
Board Chairman Tray Hawkins noted that while the County is having problems with Hurricane Michael reimbursement from the State, the County is still looking for reimbursement from a 2014 event.
Commissioners estimated that the County could be faced with as much as $30 million in needed work resulting from Hurricane Michael.
Commissioner Hawkins said he doesn’t want the County to borrow millions of dollars without some sense of when or if they will be reimbursed.
Currently the County is addressing recovery work on an “as needed” basis and commissioners said they will be very cautious when it comes to setting work priorities.
In other action taken at the meeting commissioners voted 5-0 to extend the County’s contract with Fresh Cut Lawns Plus, LLC for another year.