Helene Recovery Budget Amendment

At a glance

What: Ordinance 5259 adds $4.2 million to the Tropical Storm Helene recovery budget, funded by FEMA and state reimbursements, and moves $105,000 in donations from the Special Revenue Fund to the General Capital Projects Fund for the temporary skating rink.
Where it stands: Approved on the consent agenda September 8, 2026 (motion by Councilwoman Roney, seconded by Councilwoman Turner, unanimous, with item E removed).
Next: The money pays for upcoming costs such as a temporary bridge at Gashes Creek, a recent obligation for parks contents replacement, and grants management. Council had already approved Helene budgets totaling $219.5 million; spending authority was nearly used up and state pre-audit rules required more.

Recovery update: on September 22 the Manager's report was a video of the four recovery boards on preparedness and progress since Helene (2026-09-22 - City Council).
Disaster grants: the August 25 consent agenda assigned CDBG-DR funds, see CDBG-DR Project Agreements; it also authorized an application to the state Debris Recovery and Disposal grant program (up to $3,000,000, no match, application deadline September 14, 2026, to address properties missed in the original debris removal), and on September 8 an application to the Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund for grant-writing help (window closing October 2, 2026).
Azalea and Recreation Parks recovery design: Azalea Parks Recovery Design.