NATCHEZ — Even though Adams County has not yet been declared a disaster area by the president due to Hurricane Gustav, actions are being taken as though it will.

Two representatives — one from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and one from the Federal Emergency Management Agency — were in town Wednesday and met with city officials.

City Clerk Donnie Holloway said both agencies are coming down and collecting facts and figures because it’s almost certain the county will get the declaration.

“They were pretty adamant that we will be, but they’ve got bigger problems than us right now in Texas and Louisiana so that seems to be the delay at the present time,” Holloway said.

So for now, they gave the necessary tools of information to city officials so cleanup of the estimated 13,000 cubic yards of debris can proceed.

“They were giving us what we can do, what we can’t do,” Holloway said.

Public Works Director Eric Smith said the main point that was issued as far as what the city can’t do is enter private property to clear debris.

“In no way can we go on private property at all,” Smith said.

All debris must be taken from yards and placed on the side of the road, which is a city right-of-way and considered public property. Smith said the representatives also informed officials of the two types of debris — Category A, which is all vegetation and categories C and D, which are construction materials.

Smith said construction materials are defined as sheetrock, shingles or anything torn down because of the storm.

FEMA and MEMA officials also stressed that if a private property owner contracts a company to cut down fallen trees in their yard, the contractor is not allowed to place the subsequent debris on the street for city pick-up.

As far as when the city starts picking up debris, it’s not set in stone yet.

A meeting of the minds will take place this morning between Smith, Holloway, Alderman Mark Fortenbery and City Engineer David Gardner to discuss when to begin, what equipment will be used and other details.

However, Smith said he feels the pick-up will start no later than Tuesday.