Kristen Kessler
Published: April 27, 2005
PJC experienced an estimated $8 million to $10 million hurricane damage last fall and has used more than $3 million of its own money for repairs. The insurance company is reimbursing the college but at a slow rate.
Continued recovery from the damages is impossible until insurance claims are reimbursed, said Dr. Isaac Brigham, senior vice president for planning and administration.
Immediate restorations that were needed to continue classes last semester were classified as emergency repairs and paid from a reserve fund, which covered the costs of roof repairs and other major problems. Insurance reimbursements are expected for most of the costs, Brigham said.
The already-slow processing of insurance claims has been made worse by the laws applicable to institutions such as a community college, where any expense over $10,000 must wait for approval from several levels of the insurance bureaucracy before a reimbursement check is issued. As a result, a total of only $1.8 million of the $10 million needed has been given to the school, and $6 million in outstanding purchase orders remains unpaid.
While many of Pensacola’s residents have recovered from the storm’s havoc, the offices at PJC are full of bustling administrators who are still busy assessing the budget setbacks. The estimated cost of the hurricane damage at PJC was more than any of the other 27 community colleges in Florida combined, and discharges a lingering effect on the school’s finances.
Because of the limited funds, repairs have not been made to some parts of the campus affected by the heavy rains last month. This only increases the frustration level of those involved with the repairs, as it is not possible for them to do anything about the newly-caused wreckage to the roofs.
Eight months after Ivan, some buildings are just beginning to be used again. For instance, Adult Basic Education is moving back to its original location in Building 2 only this week.
Non-classroom space, like the pool, is not considered an emergency repair. Thus the college must get approval from the insurance company before any of these repairs are made.
“It could take two to three years for us to really recover,” said Vice President of Business Affairs Gean Ann Emond. “We are still hearing about people giving up their time to help.”
Previously unrealized damage is being found even now, such as broken equipment that has been locked away in classrooms. That’s why new claims are being filed and await reimbursement.
“I can say without hesitation that the staff has been exceptionally understanding,” Dr. Brigham said.
He felt he understood any frustration the staff might have, especially when repairs included issues with mold, mildew and a bad smell in the classrooms and offices.
Brigham’s responsibilities include risk management, police/public safety, human resources and facility maintenance, all of which were affected by Ivan.
