The town of Batesburg-Leesville has ratified a declaration of a state of emergency following the flash flooding on June 22. 

The declaration was signed and approved on Saturday morning during a special town council meeting

The town has been working with both the Lexington County Emergency Management Division and the South Carolina Emergency Management Office to explore routes to repairs. 

There are two thresholds the town must meet to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more commonly known as FEMA. 

The town is asking for residents' and business owners' help in assessing damages throughout city limits. 

“We have to do the damage assessment first to see what the total comes out to,” said Ted Luckadoo, town manager for Batesburg-Leesville. “And from there we'll determine, what, if any type of assistance is gonna be provided for anyone.”

If the cost of repairing damages totals nearly $1.3 million, Lexington County can step in to help. 

If the costs exceed $9 million, the town will be able to have a presidential declaration that activates FEMA on a national level. 

The emergency declaration does not change everyday life, but it is a starting point for the town to receive help in repairing flood damages.  

“We're not gonna beat $9 million in damages. It's just not gonna be that significant,” Luckadoo said. “We're still trying to explore any and all options that are gonna be available to people.”

It’s uncertain if the governor will sign the declaration. 

The town is seeking information from both business owners and residents on the damages they’ve faced from the storm on June 22. 

To report damages to the Lexington County Emergency Management Division contact their office at (803)-785-2449.

Luckadoo also encourages residents and businesses to file damages with their insurance companies. 

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.