Mayor issues disaster declaration for winter storm

Mayor Pam Gosline issued a Disaster Resolution on February 23 for the City of Vernon in response to damage done by the most recent winter storm from Feb. 14 – 22.

This state of disaster declaration was issued to allow for the city and its citizens to be eligible for FEMA aid. That declaration must be ratified by the City Commission within 7 days to be valid. On Monday, March 1 the Vernon City Commission unanimously took that action during a special meeting at City Hall.

The disaster declaration states in part: “The City of Vernon suffered loss to property, higher labor costs in the form of overtime due to the extreme temperatures. The city also suffered loss of water resources due to the storm along with damage to city-owned infrastructure and facilities. And

Whereas, the Mayor of the City of Vernon has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property, NOW, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Mayor of the City of Vernon, Texas that a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Vernon.

City staff urged residents that had weather related damage to either check the city’s website, or for those without internet, to contact City Hall in regards to how to report that damage to FEMA.