Morrow County to compile wind-damage assessments for Ohio EMA; board approves small capital and landscaping expenditures

Morrow County staff told commissioners on March 16 they will collect damage assessments from townships, villages, fire departments and county agencies after Ohio EMA requested county-by-county estimates related to recent wind events.

Michael, a county staff member, said Ohio EMA sent an email requesting jurisdictions submit damage information by March 31 so the state can evaluate whether to request a state declaration and public assistance. He described a FEMA-style Excel worksheet that lists standardized hourly rates (for example, generator-hours) to make cost calculations straightforward and emphasized the need for photographic documentation and supporting records because insurance payments must be excluded from eligible costs.

Why it matters: the statewide assessment helps determine whether the state will request federal or state assistance; the board discussed the per-capita thresholds that determine eligibility for certain programs and that documentation now may be preliminary but will require backup for reimbursement later.

Jamie Brecker, director of operations, updated the board on several operational matters: staff will test-drive a used maintenance truck to replace a vehicle lost to an accident and a retired unit; he said he will seek a funding plan once insurance settlement amounts are known. Jamie also reported ongoing wind-damage claims and one power-system failure at a plant that required temporary operational adjustments. He said airport projects are largely on track but the airport fuel farm still has not received fuel and licensing work remains outstanding.

The board approved several routine items and small expenditures. Commissioners recorded unanimous approvals for the appointment of Grace Byler to the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission; authorization for Jamie Brecker to sign a settlement/vacation form related to a described remnant-defendant matter; a quote to install 54 LED lights for $1,350; a $10,000 appropriation to capital improvements to cover wiring and outlets; and a $3,468.75 landscaping contract for the Community Service Building. For each action the roll call in the transcript records affirmative votes from the commissioners named (Siegfried, Mason and Abraham).

Documentation and next steps: staff will distribute the FEMA spreadsheet and request departments complete the forms; Michael and Jamie will coordinate collection of photos and supporting documentation and submit the compiled county totals to Ohio EMA by the March 31 date in the state's request. Jamie said he will also try to consolidate insurance claims to avoid multiple deductibles for individual county projects.

The session concluded with routine approvals and adjournment.