Report: Joplin may not have debt from tornado

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) -- A new report says the city of Joplin might not end up with any debt related to the May 22 tornado.

The report from the city finance director estimated that costs to the city, including damage to city property, would be about $24 million. But it appears those costs eventually will be paid by insurance and through reimbursements from the state and federal governments.

The Joplin Globe reports that city finance director Leslie Jones is scheduled to present to report to the City Council on Tuesday.

She says the damage estimate could change, but so far it appears the city will be ahead about $130,000 after the reimbursements and insurance pay their costs.

Jones also says FEMA paid $94 million for expedited debris removal last summer.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com