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FEMA: Baldwin County Owes Millions

By Associated Press

An audit shows Baldwin County officials may
have to return nearly 10.5 million dollars in federal hurricane.. FEMA: Baldwin County Owes Millions

Published: Fri, April 18, 2008 - 2:25 pm Last Updated: Fri, April 18, 2008 - 2:28 pm

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - An audit shows Baldwin County officials may
have to return nearly 10.5 million dollars in federal hurricane
reimbursements dating back nearly four years.
The results of the audit by the federal Office of Inspector
General were presented to county officials this week. The audit
raises questions about state and Federal Emergency Management
Agency reimbursements following hurricanes Ivan in September 2004
and Dennis and Katrina in July and August 2005.
The findings relate mainly to debris removal. The report
indicates the county sought to increase county landfill revenue
with tipping fees, the amount paid for dumping waste and debris
based on cubic yards.
The report indicates county officials should have burned debris
before it entered local landfills and charged tipping fees for ash
instead of actual debris.
County officials contend that Baldwin County ultimately saved
the federal government money and followed its FEMA-approved
contracts.
Officials, including Baldwin County Commissioner Wayne Gruenloh,
say federal officials now seem to be changing the rules regarding
the reimbursements.
Baldwin County will respond to the preliminary findings of the
audit, and FEMA will make the final determination.