Hurricane Helene Community Briefing: Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
January 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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Event Recap
Hurricane Helene Community Briefing Recap: January 6, 2025
On Monday, January 6th, 2025, Buncombe County held a community briefing to provide updates on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and announce important changes impacting residents. The meeting, attended by county officials and staff, focused on informing the public about available resources, ongoing debris removal, and shifts in county services. No formal votes were taken during the briefing; instead, it served as a platform for disseminating crucial information to those affected by the storm.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining assistance programs available to residents. Officials emphasized the importance of applying for FEMA aid through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362, highlighting that the deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to February 6th, benefiting both individuals and business owners. Residents participating in the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program were reminded to confirm their lodging status, while ongoing efforts to remove storm debris from public areas were detailed – with over 624,000 cubic yards already cleared. Residents are asked to separate debris and place it within 10 feet of the right-of-way. For private property, residents can apply online at buncomeready.org or visit designated intake centers.
Beyond immediate recovery, the briefing addressed long-term resilience and service changes. Residents were informed about Hazard Mitigation Grant opportunities to strengthen homes against future disasters, with state representatives available at the Asheville Mall FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for assistance. A key announcement concerned the reinstatement of fees for various county services and permits, a necessary change due to the expiration of a temporary state law. Residents who received emergency flood permits between September 27th and December 3rd were instructed to contact the Planning & Development Department to finalize their permits. The transition of trash and recycling collection to FCC was also discussed, with a delayed schedule due to the New Year holiday. Residents can find information and contact details for both Waste Pro and FCC on buncombecounty.org/solidwaste.
Finally, the briefing covered important administrative deadlines. The 2025 personal property listing period is now underway, requiring business and rental owners to report taxable property by January 31st. Residents impacted by Hurricane Helene can also report damaged or lost property during this time. The reappraisal deadline for commercial and residential real estate is January 1, 2026, with notices of value expected in late February/March.
What Happens Next? Residents are encouraged to take action on several fronts: apply for FEMA and DUA assistance, address private property debris removal, explore Hazard Mitigation Grants, complete outstanding flood permits, report personal property, and familiarize themselves with the new solid waste collection services. Detailed information regarding all these topics can be found on the Buncombe Ready website (buncomeready.org) and through the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100. This briefing served as a vital update for Buncombe County residents, ensuring they are informed and prepared to navigate the ongoing recovery process.