IOWA CITY - Many flood victims have a big decision to make about the future of their homes. In Iowa City, a petition is going around to convince city leaders to offer buy-outs. There are different reasons for people to consider the plan.

Steve McGuire is planning to rebuild his home. He has already stripped four feet of dry wall and insulation. But the Parkview Terrace resident wants the city to consider buying out the flooded homes in his neighborhood. He knelt down at the base of his home and pointed to two levels about a foot apart. McGuire said, “The difference between there and there is supposed to be 400 years, but in fact the difference between where water came last time and where the water came this time is which I can't even reach was only a matter of 15 years. That's incredible."

McGuire would like to see the neighborhood become part of City Park. But buyouts are voluntary and the process takes time. Getting city, state and federal lawmakers on the same page is not easy. The city still does not have a damage estimate. Iowa City Mayor Regina Bailey said, "That will give us a sense to tell the state and tell the feds about our needs here locally."

There are a couple reasons why people might buy out. One: financial. People simply lost everything. But for McGuire, he says there is also a moral concern. He said, "We wouldn't feel good about selling the property knowing that there's a good chance they could be impacted by the flood."

McGuire suggests everyone who can sell should sell, but he is quick to point out he respects anyone’s decision.

For more information about buy-out options and the petition, email McGuire at s-mcguire@uiowa.edu or visit www.pvtfloodresponse.blogspot.com.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com