Sumter County will take over floodplain management for the cities of Center Hill, Webster and Wildwood. Bushnell also is considering the plan.
County Administrator Bradley Arnold said the move will save money for the cities at little additional cost to the county.
“We have several floodplain managers on staff,” he told county commissioners on Tuesday night. He said the change also could cut flood insurance rates for city residents.
Under agreements with the cities, the county will take over all aspects of floodplain management including filing reports, attending meetings and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Flood Insurance Program.
Outgoing commission chairman Don Hahnfeldt praised the agreements.
“This will be a savings to the cities as well as an increased benefit to the residents,” he said.
Commissioner Gary Breeden also described the agreements as “a good thing.”
No one testified at public hearings on each of the three agreements before commissioners unanimously voted for them. Arnold said the three cities already have approved them.
He said Bushnell is expected soon to consider turning over floodplain management to the county.
Hahnfeldt, who is expected to run for the state legislature next year, stepped down as chairman at the meeting and Breeden was chosen to replace him. Commissioner Doug Gilpin was elected first vice chairman and Commissioner Al Butler was elected second vice chairman.
