Fiscal court sets July 1 deadline for participation in 2022 flood buyout program

County staff reported that several remaining buyout properties have unresolved title issues and that state approval for a deadline extension past January 2027 is uncertain. To keep the group of acquisitions on schedule and allow time for closings and required post-closing tasks, staff recommended setting July 1, 2026, as the final date for owners to confirm participation or cure title problems.

A commissioner moved for a July 1 deadline; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call. Staff said they would notify affected property owners immediately so they have time to resolve title issues or choose not to participate.

County staff also reported that NRCS has returned the group-two contract for buyouts and the judge had signed and returned it; once the counter-signed contract is received the county can start title work on the next eight properties.

The court treated the deadline as an administrative decision to preserve the county’s ability to close properties within FEMA timelines; staff warned that if FEMA does not grant an extension and owners have not acted, the county’s eligibility for those properties could lapse.