Sutter to join flood advisory program

Sutter County is joining an incentive program that could lower flood insurance premiums by 10 percent or more.

Once the county is rated through the federal government's Community Rating System program, it would get credit for current activities such as floodplain construction regulations and community outreach on flooding. Meetings with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are planned in the next month to pursue a county rating.

"We are doing some of the things that qualify us already, but you have to package them," said Doug Gault, the county's director of public works.

The ratings could be of interest to federally-backed mortgage holders in south Sutter County where mandatory flood insurance could be required late this year as part of efforts by FEMA to remap the area into a special flood-insurance zone.

Gault said he expects the ratings to be completed in about three months, before the new floodplain maps become effective.

If a Class 7 rating is achieved - the county's goal - flood insurance premiums could go down as much as 15 percent for homeowners who have to get flood insurance because they are in a special flood-insurance zone.

"We're pretty confident we're getting a rating that would qualify us for a discount," said Gault. "We're not sure if the county will get the rating it is shooting for."

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved participation in the Community Rating System as part of a package of routine items that were not discussed. FEMA describes CRS as a voluntary program to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, and promote the awareness of flood insurance.

While homeowners currently paying $317 for preferred policies would not save a huge amount, the savings would add up when special hazard flood insurance zones proposed for south Sutter County become effective. Flood insurance premiums would increase to $1,200 for homeowners with policies in place who want maximum coverage.

"At $317, it's not that big a deal, but it would be pricewise, if the policies go up," said Charyl Anthony, a customer service representative who handles flood insurance for the Huntley-Sheehy Inc. insurance agency, in Marysville.

Yuba City joined the Community Rating System program in October 2007. Residents can get 5 percent off their preferred insurance policies thanks to the city's Class 8 rating. Yuba County also has a Class 8 rating that it received in 2003.

Contact Appeal reporter John Dickey at 749-4711 or jdickey@appealdemocrat.com.