The city of Jackson was awarded just over $10.3 million after settling a lawsuit with Zurich American Insurance Group.
Lumumba made the announcement during the mayor’s press conference Thursday at the Jackson Police Department’s Real-Time Command Center.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said more than 100 buildings across the city were damaged during a hailstorm in late 2013. The city hired its own independent evaluator to assess the damage, but Zurich American did not agree to the amount of money the city wanted for repairs.
A lawsuit followed with the insurance company, which first offered the city $1 million to settle. Lumumba thanked the work of City Attorney Katoria Martin, whose last day in office was Friday after resigning last week, and her office for fighting the lawsuit and bringing more money to the city.
“We battled with Zurich for some time trying to make sure we got a proper settlement,” Lumumba said.
Some of the money will be used to deal with repairs to city buildings, but Lumumba said discussions will be held about how the money will be spent, including looking at other city facilities that need repairs. The city will receive the funds within the next 30 days.
“I’m sure there will be conversations to look at other needs around the city, but I’m not going to go through that process and announce where that money is going,” Lumumba said. “But it is certainly much needed and we are grateful for the work that has been done.”
City spokeswoman Melissa Payne said she was unsure how many city-owned buildings still needed repair.