The Sand Springs City Council voted this week to seek more information about the future of federal disaster relief funding, citing concerns over possible changes to the current cost-sharing formula.
City leaders are asking the Oklahoma Municipal League to clarify with the state about what support cities can expect moving forward, particularly after President Donald Trump signaled plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Currently, 75% of disaster relief funding comes from the federal government, with the state and municipalities splitting the remaining 25%. But Sand Springs City Manager Mike Carter said potential changes at both the federal and state levels could shift more financial responsibility to local governments.
“We'd like some clarification if that's going to continue, and if not, I think that lets the cities be prepared for trying to seek out other sources of funding to cover that amount,” Carter said. “Because, again, when you're in a disaster, nothing's for free. I mean, someone's got to pay for that.”
Carter said the uncertainty could hit smaller cities the hardest.
“With no one sure of what's going to happen with federal funding, with the uncertainty of state funding, I think municipalities are going to have to look at where those funds would come from,” he said. “That weighs pretty heavy, especially for communities that are even smaller than Sand Springs, that may not have those resources.”
The council’s request comes as state leaders continue to push for tax cuts and maintain a relatively flat budget, which could further reduce available disaster funds.
Carter said if the funding formula changes, cities may be forced to absorb additional costs.
