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WashCo Financially Prepared for Severe Weather

By: Marissa Stevens
Updated: February 22, 2013
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Severe weather can be costly, but Washington County officials said they are financially prepared for a disaster.

"It's very clear, it's very transparent, it's very open and it's dedicated for the commuity to help in the recovery."

A $75,000 disaster fund is set aside.

"The judge is going on record with both the county and the state saying this is a declared emergency and that's when she'll tap into those funds, not before," said Washington County Emergency Management Director John Luther.

The Quorum Court saw a need after the Cincinnati tornadoes.

"We immediately needed to bring in dumpsters... Those cost, you have to rent those... Hand wash stations and things of that nature, so there are expenses during and after a disaster and that's what those funds are for."

According to Luther, response to Wednesday's weather did not require extra funding.

"Putting chips out on the roads during snow and ice, those are things that are already requested within their own budget."

And if disaster never strikes during the year, those $75,000 will be ready for the next severe weather season.

"If it's not used, it's not spent... It's just not an open checkbook. We're not going to just take those dollars and spend them because they're available, that's the very last thing we're going to do. Those are still tax dollars, we still need to guard them and we need to be very responsible with them and we'll do that."

So Luther believes folks should feel fortunate to live in Washington County.

"You have good emergency services, you have good responders, and we generally have always had elected officials that have supported this and the disaster fund was just one more measure to help the community in the time of crisis."

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