City seeking letters from residents affected by new flood plain map

The appeal process for the new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) began July 15, and the city of Willow Springs encourages citizens affected by the new maps to participate in the appeals process before the maps are adopted. 

 

As previously reported by Howell County News, City Administrator Beverly Hicks does not believe the new proposed maps are accurate, based on the areas in town that do typically see flooding. Residents, and the city at large, will be adversely affected by the map as suggested, Hicks believes. 

 

“We definitely have a stake in this,” Hicks told the aldermen July 16. 

 

Maps can be obtained at city hall. 

 

In a mid-year update to the aldermen, Hicks reported the city is about $112,000 in the red on the first half of the 2026 budget. Sales tax revenues have been slow or lower than the previous year for months, so Hicks was not only unsurprised, but pleased, with this deficit at this time of year, which is not as bad as she was expecting. City employees have adjusted spending to reflect slower revenue, which has helped mitigate the deficit. Budget amendments are forthcoming to balance the budget, Hicks promised. 

 

“We’re okay,” Hicks assured the aldermen. “I’ve been here a long time, and I feel okay with this.”

 

In other discussion, the board discussed the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). The committee has struggled to retain members and establish quorums for meetings. Per ordinance, the group is to meet every month. Hicks suggests amending the ordinance to require the PSAC to meet as needed, hoping that a sporadic commitment is easier than a monthly one. She also reported two members recently stepped down, leaving a total of three vacant positions on the committee. The board agreed and anticipate a revised ordinance at the next meeting.

 

In other actions:

-The board approved the Howell County Fire Engine Rally at Booster Field on October 11. 

-The board recognized several employees. For more, CLICK HERE

-The board approved an ordinance empowering the mayor to sign the agreement with ABC ReadyMix, selling them city-owned land below market price in exchange for concrete purchases 10% above cost.