The Cullman County Sheriff's Office reported damage to at least 20 of its vehicles from Monday night's hail storm. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Commission, in a specially called meeting Tuesday morning, declared a State of Emergency for the county, shortly after Gov. Kay Ivey declared the same for the state of Alabama, in response to the swath of hail and storm damage across Cullman and other counties in north Alabama Monday night. The county declaration means that the commission can move quickly on soliciting sealed bids for repair work.
Among those at the meeting were Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Phyllis Little and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, both of whom reported extensive damage.
Little said much of the damage was across the southern portion of the city of Cullman, around the EMA and CARTS offices, subdivisions and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.
Gentry estimated at least 20 CCSO vehicles were damaged, along with severe damage to the detention center and sheriff’s office, including nine air conditioning units on the roof and siding and fireproofing insulation. He also reported damage to the CCSO’s new training facility. Gentry said all inmates were safe.
Damage was also reported at the Cullman County Water Department and court referral office.
An architect at the meeting recommended swift action on the CCSO buildings, citing the need to make them weather-tight as soon as possible.
According to Little, the damage at the CCSO is estimated at $5 million, and there's approximately $100,000 worth of damage to the roof of the EMA building.
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