The Riverside Inn FEMA grant has gained so much attention that the commission had to move this session into the old courtroom - and it seemed like a trial ensued.

“What's your plans for this land?”

“If (owners) Eric and Lisa (Engel) want to call it quits, I say we should support them.”

At the request of Riverside Inn co-owner Eric Engel, Presiding Commissioner John Grubaugh applied for a FEMA grant to buy out and close the flood-prone restaurant.

“I take exception to the city not being involved. Was the city contacted?” asked Christian County resident Lou Lapaglia.

Engel defended the commission, saying he went to the City of Ozark first.

“And he said, ‘Let the county take the lead,’” said Engel.

“I want what's best for the county, and since the property sits inside the City of Ozark, it's the one that'll be losing the tax money,” said Lapaglia.

“There seems to be something political going on against one of the commissioners, and a select few decided to use this FEMA grant as a way to get their point across,” said Stacie Bilyeu, a friend of the Engels.

“FEMA looked at this, and said, 'This is a pretty good deal,” said Presiding Commissioner John Grubaugh.

A representative from the State Emergency Management Agency talked about the process at the meeting. Since 1995, over $740,000 has been given to Riverside Inn because of flooding. The commission believes this seems to be a way to end the taxpayers’ cycle.

Once the Riverside Inn transaction is closed, the only thing that can sit on this land will be recreational space, green space or wetlands. Either side could back out of the deal until the owners sign the deed over to the county.