The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors held a special called meeting Wednesday to discuss storm cleanup operations, agreeing to delay action on a debris‑removal contract until confirmation comes that federal disaster funding is in place.
The discussion followed widespread damage from last weekend’s ice storm, which downed trees and power lines across the county.
Emergency Management Director Mitch Ramage told the board that a federal emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to cover 75% of debris‑removal costs, with the state covering part of the balance and the county responsible for the remainder. Supervisors said they would not commit county funds without assurance that FEMA has formally approved reimbursement.
“I don’t think you ought to take any action until we see this contract,” Board Attorney Johnny Williams told supervisors. “Hopefully, we will see the contract before we meet on Monday and have something to base a decision on.”
Austin Barbour, speaking to the board by phone, helped explain the proposed agreement. Barbour, representing DRC Emergency Services and Covington Civil and Environmental, two companies offering debris-removal and monitoring services, said FEMA would eventually reimburse counties for eligible work once invoices are submitted and verified.
Questions centered on whether the county must issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to satisfy federal purchasing rules or proceed under the current state emergency declaration. District 3 Supervisor Roger Anthony warned that the county could be responsible for the entire cost if FEMA or the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) later denied reimbursement.
Under the tentative plan outlined Wednesday, DRC would handle debris removal using rates already approved in Covington County’s FEMA contract. Sunflower County would then have a 30‑day window to issue its own RFP to comply with federal rules.
Anthony also reminded residents to bring debris to the roadside for pickup, noting that crews cannot enter private property except in emergencies or when homeowners sign hold‑harmless waivers.
Supervisors further discussed whether cleanup efforts will extend to municipalities within the county. Officials agreed that each city and town — including Indianola, Inverness, Moorhead, Ruleville, Drew and Sunflower — must file its own emergency declaration and apply directly for FEMA assistance. The county emergency management office will assist local leaders with completing required documents.
“Each municipality is responsible for filing its own mitigation documents in order to receive FEMA funds,” said Percel Moore, former Moorhead city manager and now the county’s code enforcement officer, county inspector and solid waste manager for the southern district. Moore recalled handling similar FEMA paperwork during the 2019 flood response.
In other action, the board:
• Approved administrative leave with pay for Monday and Tuesday for county employees. Those who worked during the weather emergency will receive compensatory time. The motion was made by Supervisor Riley Rice, seconded by Supervisor Glenn Donald, and passed unanimously.
• Received and approved a proclamation of local emergency and a resolution asking the governor to declare a state of emergency. That motion was made by Donald, seconded by Rice, and also passed unanimously.
• Heard from Anthony about the need to secure a generator for the National Guard Armory so it can serve as a public shelter during future emergencies.
The board plans to revisit the FEMA contract and debris‑removal proposal during its next regular meeting on Feb. 2.
