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County staff raise liability questions after identifying about 68 debris piles following storm
Summary
County staff told commissioners they identified roughly 68 debris 'loads' across Columbia County after recent storms, and discussed liability and next steps for pickup and billing. Staff advised commissioners not to promise pickups until legal counsel advises on responsibility and cost recovery.
County staff reported that crews have identified roughly 68 loads of leftover storm debris around Columbia County and warned commissioners that legal and liability questions remain about who must pay for removal. The board heard that most storm debris has been collected but some piles were placed or added after the storm and staff want legal guidance before committing county resources to additional pickups.
"We've identified roughly 68 loads county wide," said Mister Kirby, describing the county’s field inspection. He said the county would fund removal of certain piles, and that the $25,200 match on the Trump’s Island grant would come from vessel fees, but for leftover debris he asked commissioners to direct constituents to the county rather than make individual promises: "If somebody reaches out to you, don't commit either way. Circle back to me. I will be forwarding each of you this list tonight of the location and the props for junior yardages that we've identified."
Joel (staff) added that code enforcement was told to take a "soft touch" at the end of the year but would resume citation enforcement as of Jan. 1. He and Kirby said they planned to consult the county attorney to determine whether the county should clear documented piles and bill property owners later or require property owners to remove material under citation.
Staff described examples where piles at county-line roads complicated response and said some piles may be the responsibility of neighboring Suwannee County under an existing maintenance agreement. Commissioners and staff emphasized the need to document locations with photos and video before removal.
Ending: County staff will provide commissioners with a list of documented pile locations and consult the county attorney to define liability and recovery options before authorizing further debris pickup.
