City of Clayton Awarded FEMA Grant
February 22, 2011
The City of Clayton has facilitated a reasonable and equitable resolution for the Haddington Court residents affected by periodic flooding, most recently in September 2008. Homeowners were largely made whole through a federal buyout grant applied for by the City at the request of the homeowners.
Clayton has always been a community that is proud of its neighborhoods and respectful of its residents. These properties were built in an area that was later designated a floodway, thus making it difficult to live there and impossible to rebuild there under current regulations. After the most recent flood, the City applied for, and was awarded by FEMA, a buyout grant worth $4.7 million. This required matching non-federal contributions of 25%. After much deliberation, the City agreed to provide $700,000 toward the match, which we believed the City could afford, while still protecting Clayton’s financial bottom line for all homeowners in the City. Haddington homeowners will also need to participate in the non-federal contributions, so the burden will be dispersed among all the parties.
1) What was the City’s role in the buyout?
The City was the entity which needed to request a buyout by FEMA. All Haddington homeowners qualified to participate should they so choose. The City also agreed to split with the homeowners the 25% match required by the federal agency.
2) Is the City sure Haddington homeowners received a fair price for their property?
The initial valuation of the homes was based on an estimation of the pre-flood, September 2008, home values. As part of the next step, FEMA requires an appraisal, which will also be based on pre-flood values. This is a voluntary program and homeowners can decide for themselves whether or not to participate after receiving their offer. The City has no role in choosing the appraisers or deciding individual home values.
3) What will the City do with the land?
The City has discussed possible uses, but has not determined the eventual use. Such a decision will come only after community input and public discussion and in conformance with Federal regulations. The first priority was working on behalf of the homeowners and assisting with getting them relocated.
4) Why did the City decide to offer any money to the homeowners or why not fund the entire 25% matching needs?
The City is responsible to all Clayton homeowners and to the financial stability of the community’s budget. We believed we should participate in helping our fellow Clayton residents to a level we could afford while safeguarding the fiscal integrity of the City.
