County forwards FEMA buyout contract, budget amendment for single remaining buyout property to budget committee

Mike Hughes, Rutherford County engineering department, updated the committee on a long‑running FEMA buyout contract that originally listed four houses but now involves only one remaining property at 5943 Adams Drive. Hughes said FEMA reissued a contract and staff is requesting a budget amendment to reflect the current grant amounts. The amendment shows an increase of $35,591 to the state grant portion and $213,546 to the federal grant portion; both grant shares will be reimbursed to the county and the county’s 12.5% match has already been allocated to Fund 171, Hughes said.

Hughes described the property as a repetitive loss, showing aerial flood images from 2010 and 2019, and asked the committee’s permission to proceed with the new contract and accompanying budget amendment. Commissioner Peay asked whether the other properties had sold or withdrawn; Hughes replied they had either sold or backed out of the program and the county is down to the single house.

A motion to forward the contract and budget amendment to the budget committee was made, seconded and then approved on a roll‑call vote with all members recording 'yes.' The committee record shows the motion passed and the item will proceed to the budget committee for final appropriation and contract approval.