(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a resolution proclaiming a state of local disaster emergency for the county due to recent heavy rains.

The Commission approved the resolution Monday at the request of County Emergency Management Director James Stuart.

The resolution is effective for 7 days and can be renewed.

Stuart said its the first step in seeking federal assistance due to heavy rains occurring May 28 and following.  

He  said the county must have $37,000 in damage to qualify for assistance.

Stuart said the Sac and Fox Tribe has reported $20,000 to $25,000 worth of damage.  In addition, he said two county bridges were washed out.  They are located on Kingfisher Road and Coyote Road.

Later in the meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to suspend Stuart for one week without pay.  No reason was publicly stated for the decision.  The action followed two separate executive sessions with Stuart.