The City of Perry continues to clean up following last week’s derecho storm.

City Administrator Sven Peterson says the City is facing around $500,000 worth of cleanup related expenses. Fortunately, the City will be reimbursed for most of their expenses through various grants activated by state and federal disaster declarations. One thing that Peterson, city council members, and Mayor John Andorf have expressed throughout this process is the value of community.

Andorf says he’s very grateful for all the work and effort being put forth into cleaning up Perry, “During that whole day, I was so impressed. Not only with City crews and our department, but also the citizens of Perry. They were busy cleaning up their yards, and neighbors were helping neighbors. Not only checking if they were okay, but also helping them clear their debris and pick up their chainsaw. It was so great to see everybody come together. If there’s one silver lining, and it’s hard to find any, it might be that it really brought people together and showed that we really are a community.”

The City has also partnered with the Perry Public Library in connecting individuals who need help cleaning up brush with those who are wanting to lend a helping hand. Residents who need help clearing debris and those interested in volunteering should contact Library Director Mary Murphy.