Jackson County commissioners authorized a consultant contract Nov. 24 to help complete the county’s hazard mitigation plan update.

Speaker 2 told commissioners the county was "in the middle of our hazard mitigation update" and needed assistance to meet a Dec. 31 deadline because guidelines have been changing. Speaker 1 described the agreement as a fixed-fee contract with CPD, The Sign Solutions LLC for $17,000 covering roughly six months (staff described a monthly equivalent of about $2,400 and a remaining balance that was stated in the packet). Staff said the funds were allocated in the county budget when the FY2025 budget was established and the county attorney had reviewed the agreement.

Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the contract by voice vote. Speaker 1 said the county would return if any further contractual matters required action.

Why it matters: Completing an approved hazard mitigation plan is often required to secure federal disaster mitigation grants and to maintain eligibility for certain FEMA and state programs. Staff indicated the consultant will assist with meeting federal requirements and reimbursement documentation.

What happens next: Staff will execute the contract and work with the consultant to complete the planning tasks and related FHWA/FEMA reimbursement documentation; a follow-up report or recommendation to the commission was implied but not scheduled during the meeting.