NewPath Strategy Consultants could present the McComb board with a final report regarding 2013 hail damages and estimates to repair them by the end of January.
After unsatisfactory claims from EMC Insurance, the board hired NewPath to examine the damage, come up with estimates and meet with the city’s insurance company to garner a higher settlement.
NewPath facility advisors John Perkins and Shawn Hubbard gave a report on the roof damage that NewPath has examined so far.
“All the buildings we’ve been on have extensive damage, more than we expected to find,” Perkins said.
The group still needs to examine water towers and the wastewater treatment building, about five days worth of work.
“The work is so extensive,” Hubbard said. “We’re shooting for a deadline by the end of January, full report by end of January.”
The vacant Fire Station No. 3 and the police station were particularly bad, according to the pair.
“Especially on the police station,” Hubbard said. “I’ve never seen a roof beat up like that.”
Hubbard noted there are leaks in the Depot Museum building and rust is appearing on other buildings.
Selectman-at-large Tommy McKenzie asked how and when the insurance company comes into the picture.
“We are going to call a meeting with you guys,” Hubbard said. “Let you know what we’re going to present and how we’re going to present it then we go forward.”
Mayor Whitney Rawlings added there will be an initial report, then NewPath will bring the insurance company to the table.
“Part of the deal is negotiating with our insurance company,” he said.
The city hired NewPath under an agreement that will cost no more than $100,000. City Administrator Quordiniah Lockley said the firm’s total charges at this point are approximately $70,000.
McKenzie said he would like to see “dollar amounts associated with people” on the bill since nobody at City Hall reviews the hours NewPath works.
“Y’all are the only consultants ever that are allowed to work and get paid by the hour and there is no one in the city signing off on what you’re charging,” he said. “I just wish that was a little more controlled. ... That just makes me feel nervous. ”
Perkins said NewPath can “certainly” get Lockley to sign off on the company’s hours.
The board also authorized a $34,572 payment to New Path for services from Nov. 26 to Dec. 16. Selectman Michael Cameron voted against the item. He said he requested a more detailed billing statement and did not receive one. Plus, he was against hiring NewPath from the beginning, saying it made him “uncomfortable.”
