Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Sewage lagoon fence damage cost city $47K
A truck from the Everly Fire Department pumps floodwaters from the former CC/E High School property following June's rainstorms. The south side of Everly was severly affected by flooding.
Each side of the sewage lagoon fence east of town was affected in some form during the flood.
The City of Everly was recently reimbursed for damages associated with flooding last June.
City Clerk Kristi Fliss on Monday reported that FEMA issued checks to Everly for $47,558.51 for lagoon fence repairs and $14,447.55 for emergency protective measures. Fliss is still waiting on one more FEMA check to be reimbursed for local cleanup efforts following the flood.
"That's awesome," said City Council Member Tara Patrick. "Thanks for staying on that."
Fliss explained that "emergency protective measures" cover expenses associated to pumping, monitoring and other duties related to the deluge. The remaining check will cover volunteer hours, debris removal and hauling of flood-damaged items.
Each side of the sewage lagoon fence east of town was affected in some form during the flood. The barrier was erected to keep deer out of the facility, as their hooves can puncture the ponds' rubber lining.
American Fence Company, of Sioux City, was issued a contract to repair damage for $35,069.21. The FEMA check covers the entire bill, plus other post-flood costs associated with repair. According to Fliss, all repair work has been completed.
In other business, the council agreed to proceed with increases to water and sewer rates. The hikes were recommended by the Iowa DNR and will be on next month's agenda.
Under the proposal, water rates would increase to $5.50 per 1,000 gallons and sewer rates to $5.75 per 1,000 gallons. Current rates are $5.25 and $5.50 per 1,000 gallons, respectively.
