BEAUMONT — Though it may have taken longer than expected, Federal Emergency Management Agency contractors are out in force, inspecting structures in unincorporated areas in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Commissioners Court held a workshop on Monday morning at the courthouse on damage assessments for homes flooded in the county.

Steven Stafford, engineering superintendent, said FEMA contractors and 11 county staff members are working as teams in the county. They started work at the end of last week and it is estimated they will complete their work on Tuesday. The list is comprised of 800 structures.

Elizabeth Levitz, a senior water resources engineer with AECOM, said contractors finished Liberty County sooner than expected and they were inspecting structures last week in Jefferson County that fall within the special flood hazard area, or the 100-year flood plain.

These structures are below the Basic Flood Elevation. The FEMA contractors will inspect, but county officials will deem if the structure sustained substantial damage of 50 percent or greater.

“We give a letter of introduction to property owners and if they need further information they can call the county. The ultimate determination (on a property) is with the county,” Levitz said.

Everette “Bo” Alfred, Precinct 4 commissioner, asked what kind of notification is given ahead of time to property owners. Levitz said FEMA has always dealt directly with the local floodplain manager and leave it up to the community.”

Eddie Arnold, Precinct 1 commissioner, asked how many premises the inspectors have gained access to or how many residents were not home. She said she didn’t have that information, but she could get back with the court.

County Judge Jeff Branick said it’s more than likely residents who aren’t home are living somewhere else.

“You need to make sure we have access inside the home and we have their addresses,” Branick said.

Brent Weaver, Precinct 2 commissioner, said he couldn’t wrap his head around the thought the contractors would be done by Tuesday. Levitz said they get permission from the property owner if they want the inspectors to come inside the structure. Otherwise, they can often inspect by accessing the exterior of the structure. They will accept photographs of the property as well.

Weaver added that he was concerned the county was getting accurate data because every situation may be different.

“Harvey was on Aug. 29 and it’s now Nov. 13. A lot of people are tired of waiting on the government. I want to make sure we’re getting the resources out to the people,” he said.

Branick asked if the assessments were only being done in unincorporated areas or also in incorporated areas such as cities. She said they were only doing unincorporated areas, but it depends on which entity is asking for FEMA’s assistance.

Branick asked Stafford to compile a composite of the areas affected by the flood on a map and presented to the commissioners court. Alfred said he would like to see that broken down further to each individual precinct.

Michael “Shane” Sinegal, Precinct 3 commissioner, said his office has been receiving many calls about buyouts of properties. Branick said he will meet with grant administration people about buyouts on Dec. 6.

Alfred asked if the program would be like the buyouts done after Hurricanes Rita and Ike. Those were a 75 percent federal/ 25 percent local match.

Branick said first they have to see how much money is in the program. Next, they need to see if the county wants to participate in the program.

“We’ll look into it, but it may not be optimal for Jefferson County,” he said.

Branick added that he was in Washington, D.C. last week and he suggested FEMA allow the sell of properties for rebuilding again if the structure is elevated.

Weaver wanted to know if property owners can dispute the data. Levitz said they can get back with the Jefferson County Engineering Department.

Stafford said inspections are done rather quickly. The goal is to get out of the house in 30 minutes.

Weaver asked what if repairs are made and inspectors can’t see the high water mark. Levitz said property owners aren’t supposed to make repairs until the structure is inspected. The problem is, she said, inspectors can only document what they see.

Weaver answered residents have been dealing with this since Aug. 29 and they need to make decisions about their own lives.

The discussion then turned to the National Flood Insurance Program. Branick said there are 22,000 NFIP policies in Jefferson County.

He said the county isn’t trying to be mean, but if the county doesn’t enforce their guidelines, the NFIP won’t offer coverage any longer or they will greatly increase costs.

Sinegal asked if certified contractors are giving estimates for repairs. She said as long as the contractors are giving a detailed estimate, FEMA is not requiring more than that.

After the final inspection of the last structure is completed, FEMA will review data over 48 hours and deliver that to the county.

Blackboard will call residents to announce inspectors will be in unincorporated areas.

For more information, call the Jefferson County Engineering Department at 409-835-8584.