Charlotte County is responsible for $20.9 million of Hurricane Ian funds.
SUN FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT LAWSON
MURDOCK — Although Charlotte County is expected to receive FEMA reimbursements, an exact timeline is not available as financial updates occur monthly.
The county paid out a total of $267 million in hurricane expenses as of Tuesday. FEMA and other agencies have reimbursed $145.6 million.
After transferring about $27.4 million in general funds, a $93.9 million spending deficit remains.
The county could not provide input on cost estimates and associated costs. As of Tuesday, the county had requested $6 million in FEMA appeals.
“We have not been successful in several of our appeals, including the soft cost for reconstruction projects,” Francine Lisby, assistant budget director said. “I believe that trend is going to continue for the remaining projects.”
From Hurricanes Irma to Milton, FEMA will cover 61.75% of hurricane expenses. The county’s cost share is 9.97% or $33.3 million.
“I was thinking, if our total exposure with all those storms is 10%, that’s pretty good,” County Chairman Joseph Tiseo said.
FEMA’s cost share is 75% to 90% depending on the storm. Remaining costs are split between insurance claims, the state and county.
The disaster retention reserve is projected to have a balance of $8.8 million after paying for Hurricanes Milton and Helene obligations, beach renourishment and FEMA appeals.
“We need more hurricane reserve money,” Commissioner Bill Truex said.
To offset some expenses, the county transferred $20.6 million from the general fund and capital projects.
“These dollars and figures are changing regularly,” Lisby said.
The county also requests FEMA reimbursement for fishing piers that are a part of the Capital Maintenance Plan. However, if FEMA does not reimburse, thecounty has $3 million available for the projects.
“We are unable to provide a projected shortfall for the piers,” Lisby said. “None of these projects have been obligated by FEMA at this point. We are still working with them to develop a project scope and cost.”