Scott City seeks flood damage estimates

Residents of Scott City whose property flooded during Sunday night's thunderstorms are being asked to submit damage estimates to city administrator Ron Eskew.

About 10 residents came to Monday night's city council meeting to complain about the high water that flowed into a number of houses, businesses and at least one church, resulting in cars floating in garages and three feet of water in some basements. The city hall had some flooding Sunday night, and Main Street had to barricaded in two places because of the deluge estimated at 4 to 5 inches.

"We had a real mess everywhere," Mayor Tim Porch said.

Fire chief Jay Cassout received a phone call Monday from the State Emergency Management Agency asking for damage estimates. Porch said state and federal emergency money for flood cleanup has been minimal in the past because of the relatively low amount of estimated damages.

"If we've got this extensive a problem ... give your estimates to us at City Hall," he said.

In other business, the council acted on Cassout's recommendation to order Hurst Jaws of Life rescue equipment over the bids of four other companies. Hurst's bid of $24,254 was the second lowest, but Cassout said the lower bidder did not meet all the department's specifications.

Scott City's current equipment needs sharpening and is past its life expectancy. The New Hamburg, Benton and Commerce Fire Department and the Cape Girardeau Fire Department are providing mutual aid to Scott City in the event of an accident requiring rescue equipment until the new equipment arrives. That is expected to occur in about 30 days.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182