The rapid and coordinated response around Ringgold during the tornado’s night of terror and its immediate aftermath has gained universal praise.
Individuals and business owners directly touched by the twister have thanked public works employees, officers of the law and emergency medical personnel who quickly answered the call of duty in their time of need.
“I’ve never worked anywhere that’s had so much cooperation between agencies,” said John Veach, manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery center operating at the Catoosa Learning Center. “The local county is very well organized.”
Though well organized, this response has not been cheap.
During last week’s Catoosa County Commission meeting, overtime costs were estimated as being about $42,000 – and rising.
Of that amount, 75 percent may be repaid by FEMA and up to 15 percent might be reimbursed by Georgia Emergency Management Agency. That means the county will be required to provide at least 10 percent of the overtime costs.
The same holds true for the city of Ringgold, which has already racked up $49,915.91 in storm-related overtime costs, according to City Manager Dan Wright.