SUMNER — Selectmen learned Tuesday night that Oxford County Emergency Management Director Scott Parker said unless the $1.6 million threshold for public damages could be met, there will be no federal money available for tornado cleanup.

Selectman Mark Silber questioned how the threshold was not met with a tornado that traveled 16 miles and did damage in Norway, Paris, Hartford and Sumner last Friday. He mentioned Young Greenhouses in South Paris and the extensive tree damage done in Sumner.

He was told that the threshold cannot be met with private losses, only public.

Timber damage is considerable in both Sumner and Hartford.

The town’s preliminary estimates of its costs are $6,270 to clear debris, $3,120 for protective measures, and $2,600 for road systems, for a total of $11,990. These costs included assistance from Canton and Buckfield firefighters, backhoe and operator rental, skidder and operator, log truck and operator, and excavator and grader with operators. Canton burned up a chain saw that will be replaced.

Town Clerk Susan Runes said some people who donate their time and equipment to help the town clean up from the disaster should be paid for out-of-pocket expenses.

Aaron Sines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency spoke to selectmen about the agency’s grants that would cover repairing roads. He asked Road Commissioner Jim Keach and selectmen to come up with roads to put on a list for future work. The group listed Bradeen, DeCoster, Valley, Black Mountain and Heath Hill for ditching, elevating and culvert upgrades. The list would be on file at FEMA for future reference when a grant request was submitted.

A meeting will be held with the fire chief, road commissioner, emergency management director and selectmen to discuss their response to the tornado and how future disaster responses can be improved Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at the town office.