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County staff reports 324,000 cubic yards of storm debris collected; FEMA cost-share drops to 75% after 100 days
Summary
Public works staff updated the board on storm-debris cleanup: 324,000 cubic yards collected so far, about 300 tractor-trailer loads of mulch removed to FEMA-designated sites, 28 haulers per day averaging about 4,500 cubic yards daily; FEMA reimbursement moved from 100% to 75% after day 100 and the county seeks a final curbside cutoff date.
Bullock County public-works staff told commissioners the county has collected about 324,000 cubic yards of storm-related debris since the recent storm, surpassing earlier estimates, and outlined pickup rounds, FEMA reimbursement changes and a pending final cutoff date for placing debris at the curb.
Robert Seaman, assistant public works director, said February 4 marked 100 days since the storm and that FEMA’s reimbursement schedule changed at that milestone from 100% to a 75/25 split (FEMA pays 75%, county pays 25%). Seaman said the county has been hauling ground-up mulch to FEMA-designated drop points and has averaged about 28 haulers per day, removing roughly 4,500 cubic yards daily.
“We have hauled approximately 300 tractor trailer loads of mulch out of these sites to FEMA designated drop points,” Seaman said. He added that the county had initially estimated 250,000 cubic yards but staff now expect the total to be closer to 400,000.
Key dates and operational notes
- February 28: county asked residents to complete round one placement by this date so crews can finish the first pass. - March 1: planned start of round two pickup. - March 24: the 180-day milestone FEMA uses for program timelines; staff said they will apply for extensions if needed but cannot guarantee approval.
Seaman warned residents that only storm-related debris qualifies for FEMA reimbursement; material that appears to be standard yard waste or newly cut green debris risks rejection at the FEMA audit and could jeopardize funding.
Commissioner and staff action
Commissioners asked staff to recommend a final cutoff date at the next commission meeting. Seaman and other staff said they will prepare recommendations and work with state guidance and FEMA rules before the board sets the final curbside cutoff.
Ending
Staff signaled urgency: because FEMA has moved to a 75% cost-share after day 100, the county’s out-of-pocket share will grow if pickup drags on. Commissioners asked staff to return with a recommended cutoff date at the next meeting.
