Commission discusses disaster relief efforts during emotional emergency meeting

By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

During an emotional emergency called meeting, the Carter County Commission on Wednesday approved measures to help the county move forward following Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

“I have never been more proud to be from Carter County, Tennessee, than I am today,” said commission chairwoman Ginger Holdren.

Holdren thanked county departments, first responders, citizens and people from around the country that have assisted Carter County since the storm passed through the region, destroying homes and knocking out utilities.

The commission approved entering into a contract with SCHAUS LLC for administrative services related to debris cleanup.

“We are here to help you understand the process to get federal money back,” said SCHAUS representative Sonya Shows.

During the meeting, Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby informed the commission that President Joe Biden had earlier signed a major disaster declaration for the county, which means the community will receive federal assistance.

Shows said that everything needs to be documented “or you will not get your money back.”

She added that Carter County appears to be ahead of other counties in the disaster response. “I am so proud of your county,” she said.

Woodby and Carter County Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Harrell shared information about the disaster and the county’s response to the commission.

Efforts in the county began Wednesday night. The county had received rainfall in advance of Helene’s arrival.

On Thursday morning, first responders were dispatched back to Roan Mountain. Water was quickly rising, and Harrell said residents in the village and Hampton Creek areas were evacuated. Cloudland High School became a shelter for displaced residents, he said.

Harrell, who struggled to share the details of the disaster, said the county’s new emergency operations center was activated, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency was called.

Carter County was the first local county to get five helicopters to assist with emergency operations. Woodby said at one point, seven helicopters were active.

In addition, the county lost eight cell phone towers, 14 bridges were destroyed, numerous roads were made impassable and hundreds of trees, power poles and lines were damaged.

Harrell said first responders struggled to reach some areas, including the remote Elk Mills and Poga communities.

“I spoke to the National Weather Service,” said Harrell. “This event was equal to the [Hurricane] Katrina event.”

So far, Harrell said damage is at $34 billion, but the impact is expected to increase.

Harrell said he also spoke privately with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, who told him the county was doing better with its response than others.

Woodby also thanked the commission, which included many who have volunteered in recent days, as well as the county’s citizens. Woodby said she has flown on several flights in the county to help with distribution and rescue efforts.

“I will not be the same,” the mayor said. “None of us will be the same.”

Woodby said no one should ever have to see the amount of destruction that has occurred in Carter County.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to “have boots on the ground” on Friday, officials said. FEMA representatives will have identification as they go out into the community.

Woodby also told commissioners that she expects the state legislature to hold an emergency meeting to discuss assistance.

“Rural counties, we don’t have the resources and cash flow,” said Woodby, who added, “We’re ready to go. We’re going to get our county back.”

The commission also approved a motion to create an oversight committee, which will begin to meet next Thursday to review county spending during the disaster response. The committee will work closely with the county’s finance director.

County Finance Director Carolyn Watson said she wants to be transparent regarding spending. She mentioned that the sheriff’s office has already asked to replace five vehicles that have been damaged during the disaster.

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