(WSBT) The city of Nappanee is taking one last step to see if it can get federal assistance for victims of the tornado.

Last month FEMA said it would not declare Nappanee a federal disaster area. That would have qualified victims for relief assistance from the government.

A team from the Indiana Office of Homeland Security paid a return visit to Nappanee. They were there to review all of the tornado damage at homes and businesses. Tuesday afternoon they met with the city to get a breakdown of how many were affected by the October 18 twister.

The information obtained will help the city decide whether to appeal FEMA’s decision.

“Actually this is the second time we have been in the area. We were here when the initial damage took place,” said Greg Dhaene of the Indiana Office of Homeland Security. “The purpose for our visit here over these last few days is to determine if there are grounds for an appeal, through the governor to FEMA, for aid to the Nappanee area.”

“We're looking to see how the recovery effort is coming along, what additional impacts there may be that is becoming evident at this point, just trying to determine exactly where we are at and what additional needs there may be,” explained Phil Brown of Indiana Homeland Security.

The city says it appreciates the state coming back to the area to look into the matter, and only wants to know, one way or the other, if any kind of federal relief is in the cards.

“So they are back here helping us look at some numbers and trying to direct us at the end of the day, should we appeal this process, or not,” said Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson. “I guess I feel at this point that we may not appeal that decision. But we will move forward for some small business loans — again [which] could be used for homeowners, as well as business."

Nappanee is also trying to recoup $1 million for the city budget. That amount is needed to repair damage to city-owned property and to cover cleanup costs.