Sevier County moves up to $500,000 for Hurricane Helene relief; chairman cites Dolly Parton pledge
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Summary
Following flooding from Hurricane Helene, the commission approved appropriations and coordination with local cities to provide up to $500,000 in aid to neighboring counties and up to $100,000 to Mountain Tough; Chairman Waters reported a $2 million pledge from Dolly Parton through Mountain Ways. EMA described real-time flood tracking, coordination with the Army Corps, and TVA spillway releases during the event.
Sevier County commissioners on Oct. 21 approved appropriations to assist neighboring counties impacted by flooding from Hurricane Helene and discussed the county’s emergency response during the event.
Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Ayers recounted that the county opened its emergency operations center Sept. 26, used real‑time flood‑tracking technology and partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers on a flood simulation product during the Sept. 27 storm. The National Weather Service warned of the potential for more than 10 inches of rain, and the Tennessee Valley Authority notified county officials of anticipated spillway releases at Douglas Lake that required downstream evacuation recommendations.
Chairman Mayor Larry Waters told the commission that Sevier County native Dolly Parton pledged $2,000,000 through an existing organization called Mountain Ways. The commission approved a resolution to appropriate up to $500,000 in combined county and city funds to support neighboring counties, with $250,000 earmarked for Cocke County and $250,000 to be divided among other counties in need. The resolution also authorizes up to $100,000 to Mountain Tough if necessary; the Dollywood Foundation may also contribute but a specific amount was not provided in the meeting record.
Commissioner G. Cole moved to adopt Resolution 2024-10-05; Commissioner M. Maddron seconded. The roll call vote was 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent.
EMA will coordinate disbursements to affected counties and partner organizations. The transcript does not record finalized dollar amounts from outside pledges or an exact disbursement schedule; county staff will follow up to implement the appropriations.