JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
In the Board of Education’s recent meeting, discussion surrounding flood insurance for Jasper Elementary and Middle schools was publicly made.
According to Dr. Mark Griffith of Marion County Schools, both facilities are situated within flood zones in Jasper and flood insurance to cover both facilities would cost $16,000 annually for $1,000,000 coverage. He suggested to the board to make further discussion prior to making an official decision, especially speaking with different insurance agents on what the board should do to receive the right coverage.
Jasper attorney Mark Raines Jr. pointed out the town’s recent approval of Ordinance 452 that pertains to updated floodplain mapping in the community. He explained that the changes were mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the insurance rate is looking to be at a flat but unknown rate, leaving uncertainty as to what official changes are going to be mandated.
“Be aware that there may be changes in the existing maps. Whether good or bad, nobody knows right now because FEMA is in the process of doing those updates,” explained Raines Jr.
It was decided that further discussion will be made prior to approving flood coverage for both Jasper Elementary and Middle schools during next month’s meeting.