Top stories of 2017 — No 2: Devastating flood had ripple effects

BURLINGTON — After several days of rainy weather, Burlington received more than 8 inches of rain overnight from July 12-13. On the 13th, the Fox River crested at 16.15 feet, 2½ feet higher than the river’s previous record in 2008.

At one point, the river backed up into drainage systems — there was too much water and no place for it to go.

The resulting flood, which was voted the second-most important local story of 2017 by The Journal Times editorial staff, hit Burlington-area homes, parks, businesses and municipal buildings and will continue to affect the community for years to come.

More than 800 homes were reported damaged in an assessment compiled by emergency management officials in August, which was not enough to be considered a disaster area eligible for federal funds to offset the estimated $8.2 million in damages.

Eighty members of the Wisconsin National Guard were deployed to assist at the height of the disaster.

We Energies estimated that more than 4,400 Burlington and Waterford residents lost power and telephone service.

The flood received national attention. Gov. Scott Walker, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, visited the city, where Walker commended first responders.

“Something of this magnitude is not only an all-time high for Burlington, it is one of the most aggressive flooding efforts we’ve seen in the state in some time,” Walker told reporters. “That we don’t have a serious injury or fatality is certainly remarkable, and I think is a testament to the first responders of this community stepping up.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who represents Racine County in Congress, visited the city and gave Mayor Jeannie Hefty a bear hug in the aftermath.

The community was also recognized for its resilience and camaraderie during the disaster. Dozens of state, county and local agencies set up shop and offered assistance to flood victims.

Hefty, along with Police Chief Mark Anderson, Fire Chief Alan Babe, City Administrator Carina Walters, Director of Administrative Service Megan Watkins and Finance Director Steve DeQuaker were recognized by the county for their work during the flood at a County Board meeting in October.

Lasting impact

Some of the flood’s effects will be felt for a long time. Some families returned to their homes only within the past few weeks. Some will have to wait longer, or not return at all.

The City of Burlington alone accrued $1.5 million in damage to its facilities. Both the basements of the Burlington City Hall, 300 N. Pine St., and the Burlington Police Department, 224 E. Jefferson St., were flooded, wiping out the city’s data servers, 911 dispatch electronic system, radio, telephones and internet network.

On Nov. 21, the City Council authorized the sale of a promissory note for $1.495 million to the Bank of Kansas to finance repairs and replace equipment.

The city also decided to terminate its in-house dispatch center and instead joined the Racine County Communication Center. On Dec. 19, the City Council approved the separation agreements with three dispatchers, whose last day will be Dec. 31.

Residents won’t feel the effects of the flood on their tax bills this year, but the city’s tax rate is projected to go up by 21 cents in 2019. It’ll decrease to 13 cents over a 10-year period.

Source: http://journaltimes.com