Buyouts should be 110 percent of preflood value

If Mayor-elect Ron Corbett wants to help the flood victims, as he stated, I have some suggestions for him.

FEMA stated: “The city will make offers for all properties included in the buyout grant application based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recommended formula of 110 percent of the pre-flood value minus flood insurance or other FEMA compensation.”

Assessment for taxes and fair market value are not the same. So, Mayor Corbett, I challenge you to indeed help the flood victims of Cedar Rapids, as you promised. Allow them to receive at least 110 percent (or more) of the pre-assessed flood value of their property. Then maybe they can get on with their lives. (I grew up in Cedar Rapids and my dad lost our home in the flood.)

Patti Koch

Oklahoma City, Okla.