Debris hauling cost exceeds Lynn Haven’s total annual budget by $10 million

News Herald (Panama City, FL)

Jan. 25--LYNN HAVEN -- More than three months after Hurricane Michael, Lynn Haven still is recovering -- a topic extensively discussed during the City Commission meeting Tuesday.

Mayor Margo Anderson, city commissioners and City Manager Michael White made decisions and talked about various aspects on the recovery. Here's five things to know from the meeting:

1. Debris hauling costs are expected to be $10 million more than the city's annual budget.

"We're looking at a $30 million to $34 million debris hauling bill which exceeds our city budget by $10 million dollars," said Anderson. "We will be receiving reimbursement for most of this and hopefully, if the proper declarations are made by the governor and president, possibly all of it."

Anderson has been an advocate for President Donald Trump authorizing 100 percent reimbursement from FEMA for recovery costs.

To cover recovery costs now, White was authorized by the commission to use funds from the city's general and enterprise funds. White said he has gone through the budget and reconciled some money for relief costs.

The city is "cutting out stormwater projects, roundabout projects, paving, vehicles, not hiring any new positions," said White. "In fact, we've had a net loss of 11 employees since the storm. We've lost a total of 13 positions but hired two back. My intent is continue that process and not hire a lot more employees."

Other expenses, such as sports referees and park lighting, haven't been accumulated since parks are destroyed. White said the city will stay "solvent" and not over-borrow.

2. The city will set up and negotiate a $10 million line of credit

The commission approved Anderson and White setting up and negotiating a revolving line of credit with Hancock Bank. However, the city will use the money from its own budget before tapping into the line of credit.

"We already have those in the bank. There will not be any interest," said White. "It will save the citizens of Lynn Haven a lot of money."

Anderson said the city so far has "not borrowed huge sums of money."

Other municipalities in Bay County have considered taking out a line of credit, and Panama City is taking out a $50 million loan.

3. City Hall hours will expand to serve residents' needs

Starting Monday, City Hall will have new hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, so people have more time to pay utility bills or handle other business with the city.

"My hope is to have the operations open a little longer due to the traffic within Bay County," said White. "It's hard for people to get off work and get the permits they need."

4. 1.1 million cubic yards of debris has been picked up

A lot of debris, 1.1 million cubic yards, has been picked up so far, with an additional 300,000-plus estimated to go, said White.

"As of this Friday afternoon when the contractors get through, I'm having them cease work for two weeks. We will not have any contractors other than the city working the next two weeks," said White. "I'll be bringing them back Feb. 11. One of the things I've noticed is we have done a very good job picking up debris. A lot of trucks are circling the city and it slows down traffic. I want to give people an opportunity to get things out on the street."

The city will host a volunteer cleanup event on Feb. 16 on New York Avenue.

5. White will put together a conceptual plan to rebuild city facilities and properties

White will put together a conceptual plan, try to coordinate with contractors and wants "consistency" when it comes to rebuilding city facilities and properties.

"I look forward to the conceptual plans," said Commissioner Dan Russell.

The police department building and city chambers -- where the commission used to meet before relocating to the Lynn Haven Elementary School media center -- were among the buildings destroyed by Hurricane Michael.

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