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Supervisors extend emergency declaration, approve diversion funding amid landfill cleanup
Summary
Tazewell County extended its Hurricane Helene state of emergency and approved two expenditure items: up to $6,784.90 for a diversion to New River Valley Waste Authority and authorization to meet with FEMA on damage claims.
The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 7 to extend its state of emergency tied to Hurricane Helene and approved limited spending tied to landfill operations and diversion contracts.
County staff asked the board to extend the local state of emergency to Feb. 5 so the county could complete damage estimates and better position claims with FEMA; the board approved the extension by voice vote. County officials said the emergency extension will allow staff and emergency managers to finish site assessments and meet with FEMA representatives, and that the county has up to one year from the declaration date to file claims for damage reimbursement.
Separately, supervisors authorized an expenditure of “up to $6,784.90” to fund a diversion to the New River Valley Waste Authority; the motion was moved and approved by voice vote. The expenditure was described by staff as an expedited payment to move landfill diversion and bandwidth work forward while cleanup continues.
In remarks to the board, a county staff member identified as Mister Dunford gave a landfill status update: the landfill remains open for disposal; transfer stations are operating; some convenience sites had temporary weather‑related closures; and social media reports claiming a closure were incorrect. The board also discussed operational issues at convenience sites and asked staff to mark which items on the landfill action list still require action.
Emergency management staff said they expect to meet with FEMA representatives in the coming week to review damage claims and start the federal reimbursement process. Separately, the board directed staff to continue work on a longer term solution for sheriff’s fleet replacement financing and other capital needs raised during the meeting.
Ending: County officials said they will complete damage estimates, meet with FEMA, and proceed with diversion work while convenience sites and transfer stations remain open for residents.
