Springfield on tight budget for recovery efforts

News Herald (Panama City, FL)

March 06-- Mar. 6--SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield may be less than five square miles, but it's facing an out-sized debris bill from Hurricane Michael.

As of Monday morning, 602,000 cubic yards of debris have been picked up, Mayor Ralph Hammond said during the Monday City Commission meeting.

"Again, we've got probably this month and March and April to go through before we're done, and then possibly into May," said Hammond. "I'm expecting by the time it's over with--they do the stumps, they do the streets, the final pass--we're looking at probably $12 million."

The final debris pass for Springfield, Callaway, Parker, Mexico Beach and unincorporated Bay County will start March 11.

Hammond also spoke about the city's finances. Insurance money has not yet come in for the city.

"Financially, we're not hurting but we're not good. We're holding our own," said Hammond. "I just don't know how much longer we can hold our own. We're paying our bills and employees. At this point that's all I can ask for, and then as the money comes in I'll keep the commission informed."

Like other areas hit by Hurricane Michael, Springfield is waiting on reimbursement funds from FEMA. In an emailed statement, FEMA said in terms of public assistance, "Springfield currently has submitted 27 projects and is working with FEMA and the state to provide the required documentation for all projects in order for these items to proceed within the PA process."

Hammond said the city isn't putting all it's eggs in one basket.

"We're working different revenue sources. We've got the state coming in. We're going to talk to them about a low-interest state loan," said Hammond.

City Attorney Kevin Obos said the loan is a community disaster loan to help cities cover loss of operating expenses.

"We're really running a really tight budget," said Hammond. "We're getting what we need but not what we want. Once the funds start coming in, I think we're going to do fine and be able to rebuild."

A state of emergency was also extended in Springfield. Obos said the extension keeps in line with the Governor's declaration, while Hammond said it keeps "federal funds open instead of having a deadline."

In other news, three reserve officers will be added on to guard the city maintenance yard due to recent thefts. The officers are FEMA-reimbursable.

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