The Wilmington City Council held its first budget work session of the year last Friday, and as members consider future expenses, the effects of Hurricane Florence are still being felt.
“Submitted was $17.5 million. We got $13.2 back as 75% of that...”
That’s Finance Director Jennifer Maready discussing FEMA storm reimbursements. But as council considers a range of projects, such as WAVE funding and the new North Waterfront Park, they’re having to balance the future with the past. Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Haynes:
“What we're still struggling with is maintenance and improvements to buildings after Hurricane Florence, and we're still struggling with that a year and a half later.”
The council will meet several more times to work out the finer details of next year’s budget, which must be finalized by July 1st…as next year’s hurricane season gets underway. For WHQR News, I’m Katelyn Freund.