More Time Allowed to Deal With Tank

Council members have extended the city’s state of emergency involving the Sept. 21 rupture of a water tank for another 14 days, allowing officials more flexibility to deal with insurance adjusters and homeowners.

The council declared the emergency after the 5-million gallon tank ruptured, flooding out condos in the Hefley Square complex and a fire station. The declaration must be reviewed every 14 days.

“It essentially provides us the flexibility in dealing with the disaster and its aftermath,” City Manager Don Vestal said. “In this case it gives us some flexibility in terms of working with the insurance adjusters, working with the people who have been affected, and . . . working with contractors.”

The city received notification several weeks ago that it will not receive relief funds from the state Office of Emergency Services, Vestal said. But officials are continuing to work with the insurance companies representing the city and homeowners.