Watseka city leaders are putting the wheel in motion to bring a cost-savings for those citizens required to carry flood insurance. The City Council (Tuesday) voted 7-1 to move forward with its application for a FEMA-supported Community Rating System (CRS), which, if approved, would allow property owners to a reduced premium for their flood insurance.

There was one ‘present’ vote. Mayor John Allhands said he’s excited; “this is huge for the community. This CRS will help a lot of people.”

Allhands referred to 300-plus residents with mortgages that will save money, savings ranging from a few hundred dollars to maybe $15-hundred per year.

“It’s a mitigation step that shows the community wants to help,” says Marilyn Sucoe, who oversees the Floodplain Management – Assistance & Flood Insurance Program. A successful application by the city, she said, would bring an annual savings of $21,686 for full-policy holders who are required to carry flood insurance.

94.1 WGFA