FEMA Policy Shift Frustrates Central Residents
Central Mayor Wade Evans is raising concerns after FEMA’s latest flood insurance changes left residents paying more, not less. The city worked to improve its Community Rating System (CRS) score, reaching a level that promised up to 25% savings on premiums.
That relief has not materialized.
Evans says the discount only applies once policyholders hit FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 maximum. Until then, many residents are seeing increases instead of savings. He calls the shift frustrating and says it undermines trust.
“They changed the rules after communities did the work,” Evans said.
Local Flood Prevention Efforts Show Results
Despite federal setbacks, Central continues to invest in flood mitigation. The city has built an early warning system that gives residents up to 48 hours’ notice before potential flooding.
The system uses stream gauges and predictive modeling. Homeowners can track risk in real time and prepare before water rises.
The city is also focusing on basic infrastructure. Crews are clearing and restoring roadside ditches to move water away from homes. Evans says that work paid off during recent heavy rains.
“Central had no major issues while other areas flooded,” he said.
Big Projects Still Depend on Federal Funding
While local efforts are improving conditions, larger flood control projects remain out of reach without federal support. Evans pointed to multi-million-dollar detention and drainage projects that require outside funding.
Central cannot take on projects of that scale alone. Annual revenue limits what the city can build without going into debt.
Sales Tax Debate Raises More Questions
Evans also addressed a proposed shift to centralized state sales tax collection. He supports fixing inefficiencies but says key details are missing.
Concerns include administrative fees, delayed payments, and lack of local control. Evans says municipalities need clear answers before backing any changes.
“We need transparency before we move forward,” he said.