EVANSDALE -- Buyouts could be coming for Evansdale homes significantly damaged by flooding.

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday authorizing Mayor Chad Deutsch to submit a notice of interest to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division that at least seven homes be included in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Flood-prone property is purchased to lessen disasters in the future.

Although an estimated 250 to 300 homes sustained damage in June directly or indirectly when the Cedar River left its banks, Deutsch said only seven homeowners have expressed interest in buyouts. To qualify for the program, property must be "substantially damaged" or destroyed and be located in the 100-year flood plain.

"These are only the homeowners that expressed interest so far. There's several more that could qualify," Deutsch said.

Communities must submit notice of interest to the state that identifies property owners seeking a buyout by Sept. 12. Officials said the process will likely take one year to 18 months.

As of Wednesday, Deutsch said properties that could be purchased include: 315 Ridge St.; 1045, 1101 and 1230 McCoy Road; and 1632, 1738 and 1933 River Road

Deutsch said the pre-flood fair market value of the homes -- except 1230 and 1045 McCoy Road, which haven't been calculated yet -- is $625,779. Seventy-five percent of the cost is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the rest is covered by state, local or individual sources.

According to the resolution, the city would fund 15 percent of the acquisition cost and provide each eligible homeowner up to $10,000 in replacement housing allowance and up to $850 for moving expenses.

"Obviously we'll have to find the money if a match is needed. That hasn't been determined yet," Deutsch said.

However, not all the money could come from the general fund. The mayor said in-kind contributions such a demolition work may qualify to spare taxpayers.

The council also approved a request by the recently rejuvenated Evansdale/Elk Run Heights Chamber of Commerce to shut down a stretch of Lafayette Road, near Lofty's Lounge and Casey's, on Oct. 12 to hold a street dance.

The inaugural Good Ol' Fall Fling will serve as a fundraiser for the city's annual Good Ol' Days celebration and to purchase Christmas decorations for the community.

The event is slated for 5 p.m. to midnight, with the rock band Lotus taking the stage at 7 p.m. Food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be served.

Organizer Christie Tipton said the event would be a great way to build community spirit. Evansdale hasn't displayed holiday decorations for some time since the old ones were worn out and tattered, she said.

"When people drive through they'll see that we care," Tipton said, referring to new decorations. "(Besides), it's fall and we want to bring the community back together one last time before winter."

Contact Matthew Wilde

at (319) 291-1579 or

matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.