Briefing of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on November 19, 2024

Buncombe County Commissioners Briefing Recap: Hurricane Recovery, Employee Support & Waste Collection Transition

On November 19, 2024, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a briefing focused primarily on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, alongside discussions about employee support and an upcoming transition in waste collection services. The meeting provided a comprehensive update on the County's response and outlined next steps for residents and employees.

The majority of the briefing centered on Hurricane Helene recovery, with County staff presenting a detailed timeline and overview of efforts to date. The Board acknowledged the effectiveness of pre-existing emergency plans, which proved valuable in guiding the initial response. Significant progress has been made in coordinating rescue operations, managing shelters, clearing debris, and restoring infrastructure. Initial damage assessments have identified 214 linear miles of floodplain impacted, highlighting the storm's widespread effects. The County has actively engaged with residents through a revamped website, extensive social media outreach (reaching over 2.6 million people), and a multilingual call center to ensure information is accessible to all. Residents with hurricane-related debris on their property are encouraged to apply for the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program, which offers free debris removal and demolition assistance in unincorporated areas and certain cities. Applications can be submitted at several locations, including the Asheville Mall DRC, Barnardsville Fire Department, Swannanoa Fire & Rescue, and Fairview Library. The County has also received substantial support from 38 states and various agencies, including the National Guard.

A key discussion revolved around supporting County employees impacted by Hurricane Helene who have exhausted their paid leave balances. The proposed Shared Leave Policy, designed to allow employees to voluntarily donate accrued leave to colleagues in need, was presented. While the concept was discussed, Commissioner Edwards raised concerns and suggested exploring an alternative approach – a special category of disaster leave. The Board ultimately directed staff to investigate this and other options, emphasizing a desire for a more robust solution than relying solely on voluntary donations.

Finally, the briefing included an update from Charles Merkley of FCC Environmental Services regarding their upcoming transition to waste collection services, which begins January 1st, 2025. Residents can expect a phased rollout of new carts starting in December, with FCC deploying teams to deliver up to 2,200 carts daily. The company will utilize a fleet of 37 vehicles, including automated side loaders and specialized trucks for difficult terrain. Residents will be notified of any changes to their collection days through various communication channels, including a website map. FCC has already hired approximately 40-43 employees and continues recruitment efforts to ensure a smooth transition.

What's Next for Buncombe County Residents?

• FEMA Assistance: Residents are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance through disasterassistance.gov.
• PPDR Program: If you have hurricane-related debris on your property, apply for the Private Property Debris Removal program.
• Waste Collection Changes: Stay tuned for notifications regarding changes to your waste collection schedule and cart delivery.
• Future Board Discussion: The Board will consider community relief programs, including grants for small businesses and individual/household assistance at their next regular meeting.

The Board expressed its appreciation for the dedication of County staff and FCC’s efforts in supporting residents during this challenging time, highlighting a commitment to equitable access to information and support for all. Regular briefings on recovery efforts will continue bi-monthly, ensuring the Board remains informed and responsive to emergent issues.