The city of Bradenton Beach finally is receiving federal money for damages incurred almost a year and a half ago.
Bradenton Beach Police Lt. John Cosby reported to city commissioners Feb. 21 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will repay the city $35,942.28 for expenses incurred as a result of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The state already repaid $2,657.13 of the $41,256.53 total cost for the damages.
Cosby, who took the lead on communicating the city’s costs to FEMA, said expenses include $7,335 for damage to city hall, $7,291.53 for emergency protective measures taken by the police department and $21,180 for removal of vegetation Sept. 18-Oct. 17, 2017.
He said as of Feb. 21, the city had received money for all but the removal of vegetation. However, the city should receive payment for the debris removal within the next couple of weeks.
“Everything went well,” Cosby told commissioners. “We’re getting every penny back that we put in for. There were really no hiccups.”
City attorney Ricinda Perry injected a compliment for Cosby’s efforts.
“I think it’s impressive that you were able to do this in the way that you did, in such an efficient way, and that you didn’t need to use my department in any way, shape or form,” Perry said. “I think that speaks to the high level of intellect with which you approach the process.”
“I’m going to need a copy of this tape for my wife,” Cosby joked.
Cosby added that the police department is updating the city emergency management plan and would like to schedule a workshop with commissioners in May to discuss changes, as well as detail the process.