The water is down... now the real work is underway
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

According to a data sheet provided by Carroll County Emergency Management Agency Director Dave Mc- Dowell, at least 330 Carroll County homes were destroyed and 30 suffered major damage in last week's devastating flood. To be considered "destroyed," a structure had to suffer four or more feet of water in living areas and to be considered to have "major" damage was to exhibit damage visible from the road.

County commissioners Loren Hylton and George Mears, and highway superintendent Ron Francis, met in an emergency session Friday afternoon to hear McDowell's report and to make plans for the county-wide trash removal effort. Commissioner Bill Brown was unable to be reached for notification of the emergency meeting.

One concern was how the county would coordinate the trash retrieval and removal. Francis said the highway department could collect the trash from centralized locations and haul it away, but noted the county trash transfer station could not accommodate the load. He said there was enough money in the highway department budget to retrieve the refuse using highway department equipment and haul it to neighboring counties with county trucks.

McDowell suggested getting trash-dumpster donations and perhaps renting dumpsters for collections. He said his information was that FEMA would reimburse for the cost.

It was decided residents would be directed to stack trash items at the sides of the roads and the highway department would haul away the refuse. McDowell will solicit dumpsters as well.

The group decided that contractors for deconstruction and repair would be requested to register with the sheriff's department before providing services. McDowell said this measure would help protect residents from hiring unscrupulous people who target areas hit by massive damage such as is the case in Carroll County.

For clarification and information, McDowell can be reached by calling the EMA office at (765) 564-4243.

Residents are urged to call the sheriff's department at (765) 564-2413 or the area plan office at 564-4468 to consult a list of registered contractors before hiring anyone.

Building permit fees

Residents were reminded by area plan that building permits for repairs to flood-damaged structures are required. Fees associated with the flood will be waived.

Zoning administrator Dale Huffer advised an additional permit from the Department of Natural Resources may be necessary prior to reconstruction. Each situation could be different and would need evaluation of the value of the structure.

Residents are urged to contact Huffer at (765) 564-4468 for clarification and guidance. The area plan office is on the second floor of the county scourthouse.

Building structure assessments

County assessor Doris McLeland advised those with flood damage should visit her office to obtain a form to initiate reassessment of damaged structures. The assessor's office is on the first floor of the courthouse. McLeland can be reached at (765) 564- 3444 for questions.