About 150 people attended the special Yancey commissioners meeting held Thursday evening, January 23rd at Mtn Heritage High School. The purpose of the meeting was to provide answers and information. Representatives from agencies and organizations were there, including a large group of FEMA representatives. County Commission Chairman Jeff Whitson led the discussion on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Whitson thanked emergency personnel and county officials for often unseen work done during the recovery and thanked the local people who stepped up as neighbors helping neighbors. He said it is a long term recovery process which includes a partnership with the state and federal governments that is expected to take 5 to 7 years for full recovery. According to Whitson there are very few circumstances like this and they must be creative to handle the many different needs of each community. They understand the dire needs that many are facing. Whitson said, “All lost some, some lost all” and we must not lose focus that our neighbors are suffering and we need compassion for them, however they also must show personal responsibility. The government can’t be expected to do everything, people must take personal responsibility by letting people know what you need in order to expedite recovery.
Whitson addressed people’s questions about taxes by saying there is only so much, by law, the local commissioners can do. They have been working with the NC Dept of Revenue and property owners have until May 1st to appeal their property’s value. It is estimated that there has been a loss of $100 to $150 million dollars in property values. This will cause the county to have an approximately $5 million shortfall in their budget.
Whitson went on the address the trash and debris removal problem. Prior to Helene the county processed 80 to 85 tons per day. Now they are processing over 200 tons daily. Because of state regulations, the Endurance Company has been hired to help to move some of the trash to another location. Whitson asked for patience and said the Bee Log and Pensacola convenience centers are currently being rebuilt and they are trying to extend the hours of the others. As far as debris removal the county has contracted with STR which according to company representative Phillips Jennings, they have removed 75,000 cubic feet of debris since October and have 15 to 25 crews working throughout the county each day.
Whitson said FEMA was on the ground in Yancey County since the first week giving the county assistance, though not necessarily engaged with private individuals at that time. Several FEMA representatives were at the meeting to personally answer questions and he suggested that people repeatedly appeal any denials. Fifteen FEMA housing units are now ready for occupation.
New County Planner Chris Sigmon addressed the repair of roads and bridges. Sigmon said per capita Yancey County was the hardest hit of any of the hurricane affected counties. Seventy-three percent of those who have applied have now had their roads and bridges repaired. Sigmon said that it is a slow process but needs to be done right because it will only be s strong as its weakest link. He prioritizes the projects according to number of people affected, elderly and serious health conditions. It is important that people go to the county website and self report their needs for roads and bridge repair.
Though there is no “magic pot of money” that has been rumored, County Manager Lynn Austin did explain that the county has received a $4 million grant for housing through the CDGB Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Homeowners must meet certain requirements. The application is on the Yancey County government website. Applications should be submitted by February 28th. https://yanceycountync.gov/
Pictured above: Yancey County Manager Lynn Austin an Yancey Commissioner Chairman Jeff Whitson at community meeting Thursday evening.
