Residents will have to wait for an answer if they seek closure on flood insurance reform. There's uncertainty on whether new flood guidelines will be enacted this week or next year as Washington D.C. officials are at odds with the state.

On Tuesday, Town Administrator Paul Dawson told Selectmen that the Federal Emergency Management Agency would implement new Flood Insurance Rate Maps for the county. The change was set to take place Feb. 5, but several towns contested the maps and the skyrocketing insurance premiums they might bring. As a result, those towns won't see changes until 2015.

The flood maps were redrawn last year. The new maps would place thousands of homeowners in flood zones. For those homes already located in flood zones owners can expect a steep increase to insurance premiums in some cases. The change affects those who have a mortgage because banks require insurance for homeowners in flood zones.

Marion had already accepted the maps. In contrast, towns such as Plymouth and Marshfield challenged the maps, saying they were developed with incorrect research.

Representatives from Congressman Bill Keating’s office told Dawson the delay would take place.

“We were told it was a county wide delay,” Dawson said. “Yet the state is still telling us that’s not accurate.”

The redrawn maps are part of national legislation known as the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. It’s designed to boost the finances of the National Flood Insurance Program, which now owes $20 billion to the federal government due to insurance claims sought after a stretch of stormy years.

Dawson said representatives from Keating’s office will be in touch with FEMA. Dawson said he would update the board when he learns more.

“This confusion still exists, but we are working to find some clarity,” he said.