by Leah Justice

Polk County agencies are applying for a total of $5,252 in reimbursements from work conducted because of floods in July.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners Monday, Dec. 2 approved applying for the funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Commissioners also welcomed newly hired emergency management director Bobby Arledge, who began his employment in October.

Arledge said agencies were able to get reimbursed for equipment use, chainsaws, boats, lights, tires and replacement of radios that were damaged in flood waters between July 3 and July 13.

The Columbus Fire Department is expected to receive the most reimbursements at $2,842 for vehicle and equipment use at 400 Hawks Landing, 2759 Houston Road, 637 Smith Dairy Road, 4069 Hwy. 9 South, Hwy. 108 at Wolverine Trail and 2000 Fox Mountain Road.

Polk County Emergency Management is expected to be reimbursed $837 from FEMA, mostly for truck and ambulance use and food taken to families isolated and food and beverages for agencies.

The Mill Spring Fire Department is expected to be reimbursed $778 for engine and brush trucks used during the floods.

The Polk County Rescue Squad is expected to be reimbursed $714 for its use of trucks, ATVs, boat, generator and chain saws. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is also expected to be reimbursed $81 for assistance during the floods.

Arledge said the reimbursements are expected to be distributed about two weeks after the resolution is signed.