Williamson County outlines storm response and a months-long debris pickup plan

County emergency-management officials told the commission on Feb. 9 that winter storms prompted a Level 3 activation of the county’s Emergency Operations Center, temporary shelters at Franklin High and Fairview High, and a debris-management operation using 11 temporary debris sites and partnerships with volunteer organizations.

Todd Horton, Director of Emergency Management, said the county submitted preliminary damage assessments on Feb. 3 totaling roughly $9.9 million — exceeding the $1.1 million threshold needed to qualify for FEMA public assistance — and that a presidential major disaster declaration had been approved, enabling reimbursement for eligible public assistance projects (75% federal share). Horton detailed shelter operations, efforts to identify interior and hidden structural damage, and coordination with United Way and Hands On Nashville on volunteer debris removal.

Debris pickup timeline: Solid-waste officials estimated it could take about three months to complete curbside debris collection countywide because of equipment limitations, large volumes (estimates described in committee as tens of thousands of tons), broken grinders and continuing collection of municipal obligations. The county temporarily increased resident drop limits (from five to ten tons for 30 days) to ease immediate disposal pressure.

Financial and operational notes: County staff said costs will be tracked to qualify for FEMA reimbursement; commissioners discussed whether to hire contractors to speed pickup if federal funds will cover costs. Officials said they have hired contractors for grinding at the landfill and are exploring additional contracting for on-the-ground pickup if funds and logistics allow.

Next steps: Residents are asked to report debris on the county’s incident page (williamsonready.org) and to text the keyword DEBRIS to 888777 to register for assistance; county staff will validate requests, remove duplicates and coordinate volunteer efforts.