Everly council hears FEMA update

It's not a matter of if; it's when.

That's what Everly City Council members learned on Monday regarding the timeline for federal reimbursement for flood-related damages and other expenses. City Clerk Kristi Fliss reported Everly will be able to file claims through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, but she was not sure when the check will be sent.

"It could be a while," she said after the meeting.

Fliss sat in on a FEMA meeting last week regarding the matter. She listed the following flood-related expenses that could be filed: Volunteer time (equipment and man hours during cleanup), employee overtime, damage to the lift station's door, tractor rental and fuel for pumping, hauling expenses to the landfill in Sheldon, Town & Country dumpster rentals, and damage to the fence at the sewage treatment ponds.

Council Member Tara Patrick said she was surprised at how flattened the fence was at the sewage ponds east of town. Its main purpose is to keep deer out of the ponds so their hooves don't puncture the rubber liner.

"I was just shocked when I went out there," she said. "I was surprised [the floodwaters] reached all the way out there."

Everly sustained heavy damage during the June floods after a part of the railroad over the Ocheyedan River broke west of town, allowing a large amount of water to flow into city limits. Several homes were affected and a large part of south Everly was flooded.

Clay County is part of a federal disaster declaration. In addition to the FEMA Public Assistance Program, individuals are also eligible to apply for federal help with flood recovery.

In other business, the council approved the appointments of Rick Steuben to the library board and Craig Wilson to the gas board. Members also approved a gas fund CD for 12 months at 4.75 percent.