Lee County officials prepare for construction con men

LEESBURG — Now that the worst of the minor flooding that hit low-lying areas of Lee County over the Christmas holiday is starting to slowly recede, officials in the county are preparing for another expected invasion.

Lee Planning Director Matt Inman had members of the county’s Code Enforcement and Building Inspection departments at the county Emergency Management Operations Center on U.S. Highway 19 Monday, plotting strategy for when homeowners hardest hit by the flood start repairs.

“Our Code officers and building inspectors are going to push to make sure that all repair work done on flooded homes is done by licensed contractors,” Inman said. “We’ve had people come in here before who weren’t licensed to do the work they promised who, basically, took people’s money and ran. We’re going to do everything we can to prevent that.”

Lee Chief Building Official Joey Davenport said that, given the number of high-water events that have occurred in the region, officials have come to expect con men to make their way into emergency areas and try to take advantage of already distraught residents.

“The biggest thing we want to do is make sure no one gets taken advantage of,” Davenport said Monday. “We’re in the preliminary damage assessment stage right now because the flood waters are receding very slowly. By the time homeowners who have evacuated go back to their homes, we hope to have a clear idea of where work will have to be done.

“Ideally, the homeowners will contact us to get the required permits they’ll need to do the work necessary. We’ll evaluate their houses to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Inspector Barry McGee said there are ways homeowners can guard against being taken advantage of by illegal contractors, most of whom come to a disaster area from out of state.

“Ask to see their county business license,” McGee said. “Make sure they have proof of liability insurance, and don’t let anyone work on your home until you or the contractor has secured a permit.

“If you’re still not sure, call the Better Business Bureau or call our office at (229) 759-3326. We’re expecting a high volume of calls, so if you don’t get us at first, leave a message and we’ll return the calls as we get to them.”

Assistant (and, during the emergency, acting) Lee Fire Chief Jim Weaver said county Emergency Management Agency Director (and Lee Fire Chief) James Howell is compiling figures to send to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to determine whether that agency will provide financial aid for homeowners impacted by the flood waters.

“We’re not that far ahead yet, but Chief Howell is compiling data,” Weaver said Monday. “I think it will be three or four days — at best — before Building Inspection gets to assess the damage.”

Davenport said that while he has been involved in similar local high-water events in ‘98, ‘05 and ‘09, he’s not sure what would prompt GEMA involvement. But he said local officials will have all necessary data available as soon as possible.