Dayton, Tenn., expects $363,000 in relief funds after April tornadoes

photo A modular home along state Highway 30 in Rhea County was destroyed as what authorities believe were two tornados passed through the New Harmony community on the Bledsoe/Rhea county line. Staff Photo by Ben Benton/Chattanooga Times Free Press

DAYTON, Tenn. - Dayton officials expect to receive about $363,000 in disaster relief funding as reimbursement for losses during the April 2011 tornadoes.

City Manager Frank Welch said the city's electric department spent about $415,000 to repair infrastructure after the storms. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the city for 75 percent of its loss, the state will cover 12.5 percent and the city will be responsible for the balance.

"The money will come to the electric department as it becomes available," Welch said.

In other matters, Mayor Bob Vincent said Dayton Golf and Country Club officials have approached City Council members to discuss the possibility of the city assuming ownership of the golf course. Councilman Gary Louallen and Vice Mayor Bobby Doss agreed to attend a Thursday meeting at the course to hear stockholder comments about the proposal.

Welch pointed out that several years ago the city had offered to purchase the golf course but the offer had been rejected.

Officials also authorized Welch to pursue emergency repairs to the roof of the Dayton Skills Center. Welch said the rubber roof had been leaking, and the situation was aggravated by birds eating sections of it.

Earlier, meeting as the Dayton City School Board, board members authorized the city attorney to prepare a letter to "protect the city's interests" if repairs to the gymnasium roof and floor are not completed in an acceptable manner.

Superintendent Mike Latham said that a leak, which has been stopped, damaged the gym floor, and initial estimates are that repairs will cost $18,000. He is expected to meet with insurance representatives of the roofing company this week to discuss repairs.

Board members also agreed to extend Latham's contract as director of schools through June 2014.

Contact Tom Davis at tsdavis@volstate.net.

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