Finance Director Donna Meinerts has been appointed as the applicant agent for requesting state and federal disaster recovery assistance for the city’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A resolution appointing her to the position was approved in a consent agenda with other items at the April 21 Apache Junction City Council meeting. In attendance were Mayor Jeff Serdy and Councilmember Robert Schroeder. Attending by phone were Vice Mayor Chip Wilson and Councilmembers Robin Barker, Gail Evans, Christa Rizzi and Jeff Struble.

“This resolution will allow the city to recoup up to 90% eligible disaster-related costs that are above and beyond its ability to recover without state/federal assistance,” Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow said in a memo to the council.

“Examples of eligible response costs could include the disinfection of public facilities, emergency operation center costs, medical supplies and equipment, security/law enforcement and communications of safety information to the public,” he said.

To obtain reimbursements, the Arizona Department of Emergency Management requires the appointment of an “applicant’s agent” who is authorized to request funds, time extensions and attend to other financial matters related to an emergency proclamation, according to the resolution.