In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Helena, highlighting the significant contributions made by Rowan County employees in affected areas. The meeting, initially intended to address routine agenda items, shifted focus to the county's extensive support operations in neighboring counties, particularly Avery and Polk.

Aaron, a key speaker at the meeting, detailed the various roles county employees have taken on since the hurricane struck. Law enforcement personnel from the sheriff's office have been deployed to provide critical support, including rescue operations and public safety assistance. Emergency Services staff have been actively involved in public information efforts, while social services employees are assisting at shelters for displaced residents.

The county's IT department has also played a vital role, addressing numerous technical requests to ensure effective communication and support at emergency shelters. Plans are in place for further deployments, including animal services to assist with pet care in Henderson County.

The meeting also addressed financial considerations related to these emergency efforts. Two motions were proposed to authorize extra duty pay for county employees involved in the hurricane recovery efforts. The first motion seeks to provide overtime pay for law enforcement personnel working beyond their regular hours, while the second aims to extend similar compensation to non-law enforcement employees. Both motions are retroactive to September 28, ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for their extended hours of service.

Additionally, the sheriff's office reported on the logistical challenges faced during the response, including communication breakdowns in the affected areas. The use of a newly acquired VIPER radio system proved crucial, allowing for effective communication between Rowan County and local authorities despite widespread outages.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed gratitude for the dedication and selflessness of county employees who have volunteered their time and expertise to assist those in need during this crisis. The collaborative efforts among various departments and the community have been instrumental in addressing the immediate needs of hurricane victims while laying the groundwork for ongoing recovery efforts.