Coast city wants $11.8M for oil spill, BP offers $76,000

GULFPORT — Gulfport leaders are seeking $11.8 million from BP for oil-catastrophe losses, but the company has so far offered only $76,000. That’s according to consultants the city hired.

The Sun Herald reports the city has agreed to pay the consultants from Dutko Grayling up to $80,000 for handling the city’s claim. Annette P. Herrin, an accountant certified in business valuation and financial forensics, estimated Gulfport lost $4.2 million in sales taxes and $1.5 million in property taxes durinig the 2010 tourist season.

BP spokesman Ray Melick told the newspaper BP is using straightforward methodology to determine government losses. He said Gulf cities and counties are being reimbursed based on guidelines in the federal Oil Pollution Act.

Eleven workers were killed on April 20, 2010 when the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded.