06-05-2023 Meeting Minutes BOC
June 5, 2023
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 5, 2023
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear S. Ellis Hankins, County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Jason Thomas
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 7:00pm in the Commissioners’ Boardroom 215
in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order and offered an invocation. Vice
Chairman Sims led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
COUNTY MANAGER’S FY 2023-2024 RECOMMENDED BUDGET:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2023-2024
Recommended Budget.
Chairman Powell announced a three-minute time limit for each individual.
Speaking in favor of the County Manager’s FY 2023-2024 Recommended Budget
were the following:
Mr. Brandon Fox of 60 Poplar Lane Roxboro and a 10-year EMS employee stated
the primary job of the Board was to ensure the health and safety of the county citizens and
visitors. He said the agency he had plans to retire from has placed his family into a financial
bind that was causing him and others to look elsewhere for employment. He did not blame
the EMS administrators as they can only do so much with the budget. Mr. Fox asked the
Board how a mega site investor would feel knowing essential 911 services are underfunded.
Mr. Fox asked the Board to pay the county’s local heroes a living and competitive wage by
fixing the EMS salaries and fix the pay compression.
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Mr. Eric Kaplan of 504 Ridge Road, Roxboro and Person Memorial Hospital Chief
Operating Officer stated support of the pay fixes noting EMS’ ability to respond in a timely
manner directly affects the hospital’s ability to treat patients.
Dr. Dan Phillips of 464 Shady Oak Road, Roxboro and a former paramedic said
EMS employees are working overtime which can be a double-edge sword; it gives extra
income to the employee and provides needed coverage but is expensive for the county. He
added overtime work leads to a decreased quality of life for the employee and to fatigue and
burnout that can result in medical errors.
Ms. Cynthia Lynch of 395 Union Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills stated her main
concern with the budget is safety. She said she added up public safety, human services,
education, culture and recreation; all things that should help people live a positive life which
was 67.5% of the budget. Ms. Lynch said she would like county employees to work together
to find a solution so that all can feel safe.
Speaking in opposition to the County Manager’s FY 2023-2024 Recommended
Budget were the following:
Ms. Liz Bradsher of 976 Estate Road, Semora said the budget did not do enough to
address the future of the two Duke Energy coal plants in the county. She referenced the
budget summary that did not address what will happen noting there has been no real
communication to the public on this matter. Ms. Bradsher told the Board that jobs would
not be maintained with battery storage noting nuclear could increase employment and
economic activity in Person County. She reiterated the public and the county deserves
transparency on this matter noting town halls are a good first step by the Board and Duke
Energy with a community task force warranted. In addition, she stated letters to residents
living on Hyco and Mayo Lakes addressing the matter were also needed.
Ms. Patricia “PJ” Gentry of 541 Byrd Creek Lane, Hurdle Mills said the budget does
not feature any growth or improvement opportunities. She told the Board that it made no
sense to spend $38M on a Band-Aid on the county’s schools but felt the county should be
combining, closing and building new facilities and then selling off the land and assets of the
old ones. She asked the Board to stop thinking about the new election and hurting people’s
feelings and do the right thing (something big and bold) for Person County.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2023-2024 Recommended
Budget.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Jim Brooks of 601 Estate Road, Semora expressed his concerns related to
integrity and overall boat safety related to the Peninsula at Hyco Lake project that is likely
to come before the Board for approval. He said work has begun on a proposed wastewater
site. He conveyed his concerns for the residents on Hyco Lake to have an open platform to
be informed, noting the impact on safety will create liability for Duke Energy, NC Wildlife
Commission and Person County.
Ms. Kathryn Lawrence of 1034 Terry Road, Hurdle Mills and a member of the
Republican GOP requested the Board’s support and vote to endorse a Person County GOP
resolution supporting the identification of party affiliation for the Board of Education
candidates in Person County. She said the local GOP party leadership adopted the presented
resolution to aid in identifying candidates with Republican values.
Ms. Cynthia Lynch of 395 Union Grove Church Road, Hurdle Mills stated support
of Person Industries’ request on the agenda; she urged individuals to help with recycling
efforts.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Budget Amendment #20,
B. Creation of the Person County Financing Corporation
a. Articles of Incorporation Nonprofit Corporation,
b. Unanimous Written Consent of the Board of the Board of Directors of
Person County Financing Corporation adopting the Bylaws of the
Corporation, Appointing Officers of the Corporation and addressing
other matters related to the completion of the Organization of the
Corporation,
c. Written Consent of Incorporator of Person County Financing
Corporation to Action without Meeting, and
d. Bylaws of Person County Financing Corporation
C. Person County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Funding
Recommendations for FY24
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NEW BUSINESS:
CLASSIFICATION AND PAY STUDY UPDATE AND PERSONNEL POLICY
REVISIONS:
Human Resources Director Sonya Carver used the following presentation to provide
information to the Board related to the Classification and Pay Study update and requested
personnel policy revisions.
Ms. Carver provided an overview of the Classification and Pay Study and
information regarding implementation, including the methodology for how employee
salaries will be calculated within the new salary ranges. She also recommended revisions
to the Personnel Policy Manual for Article II. Position and Classification Plan and Article
III. The Pay Plan.
The presentation follows:
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Vice Chairman Sims asked Ms. Carver if department heads would have training to
explain the pay study process to their employees to which Ms. Carver responded department
heads would have a step-by-step guide to follow and the Human Resources’ staff would be
available as needed. In addition, he asked if department heads would have an opportunity
to appeal the results of the study if not in agreement; Ms. Carver said the department heads
could speak with Human Resources and/or the County Manager to discuss any perceived
inequities.
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FY23 FUNDING REQUEST FOR PURCHASE OF NEW AMBULANCE:
Thomas Schwalenberg, Director, Department of Emergency Services requested a
FY23 fund balance appropriation of $433,000 to purchase and equip a new ambulance for
the Division of Emergency Medical Services. This ambulance would replace an ambulance
that is at the end of its service life in terms of mileage and increasing maintenance costs. By
utilizing FY23 funds, Mr. Schwalenberg stated the county can have the opportunity to take
advantage of purchasing before 2024 chassis model price increases go into effect and can
order ahead of other EMS agencies that will be placing orders in the new fiscal year after
July 1. The turnaround time on the manufacturing of an ambulance is 12-18 months, so the
sooner the order can be placed, the quicker the unit will be delivered.
$585,945 is included for the purchase of a new ambulance in the FY24 Manager’s
Recommended Budget. This estimate was based on the most recent purchase of a demo
ambulance, which was purchased due to the lack of available new ambulances and had to
be outfitted with aftermarket equipment. The current estimate for purchasing a new fully
equipped ambulance is lower. The Board may consider reducing the FY24 fund balance
appropriation and removing the ambulance from the budget or purchasing a second new
ambulance at a lower price in FY24. The June 7 budget work session will offer an
opportunity for further discussion of this potential FY24 expense. Mr. Schwalenberg stated
the fleet of ambulances has issues, noting with the increased costs, the current fiscal year
maintenance budget has been spent. On several occasions, Mr. Schwalenberg said the
county has borrowed a truck from Caswell County.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve a FY23
fund balance appropriation of $433,000 to allow the Department of Emergency Services to
place an order for a new ambulance and related vehicle emergency equipment.
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PERSON INDUSTRIES REQUEST FOR FY23 FUND BALANCE
APPROPRIATION:
Person Industries Director Amanda Everett requested a fund balance appropriation
of $80,000 from the General Fund to ensure the Person Industries/Materials Recovery
Facility (PI/MRF) Fund does not end FY23 in a deficit. FY23 revenues were affected by
the expansion of the Public Health Emergency, which resulted in nine consumers not
returning to services as planned when budget numbers were set and $158,000 of lost
revenue.
Ms. Everett presented an overview of the department’s FY23 revenues and
expenditures as she explained the need for the fund balance appropriation. Her presentation
follows:
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A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to approve a FY23
fund balance appropriation of $80,000 from the General Fund to the PI/MRF Fund.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported the airport hangar lease has been signed for the new
hangar at Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County; he commented this action might open
the doors to additional hangars or even a public/private partnership. Chairman Powell stated
appreciation of Bill Tougas, FBO at the airport and General Services Director Ray Foushee
as being the point people for this transaction.
Chairman Powell stated new technologies are good prospects at the county’s Duke
Energy plants noting conversations are continuing to take place.
Chairman Powell mentioned the ongoing renovations in the County Office Building
Auditorium were coming along nicely.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey introduced the county’s new Public Information
Officer, Kim Strickland, present in the audience.
Ms. Cathey stated the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee has scheduled the
annual meeting to be held on June 30, 2023 starting at 9:00am for engagement by county
and city officials as well as citizens; she added the NC Association of County
Commissioners would be conducting a summit on opioid funding.
Ms. Cathey said the Board has received the budget work session draft agenda which
would convene in the commissioners’ room 215 on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 9:00am.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims thanked all for coming out to the meeting as well as those
making comments. He commented on the Memorial Day service of the county’s veterans
noting the event had great support.
Commissioner Palmer thanked all those coming out sharing their concerns; he noted
his own concerns related to unrestrained dogs not being confined from the public.
Commissioner Palmer asked county employees to be patient with the pay study
implementation, noting it could be revisited and recalculated after the July 1st
implementation date.
There were no reports from Commissioners Puryear and Thomas.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #1 at 8:06pm per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) for the purpose of discussion of
matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the county
(economic development) with the following individuals permitted to attend: County
Attorney Ellis Hankins, County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Brenda
Reaves, and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch.
Closed Session #1 was called to order at 8:08pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:40pm.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #2 at 8:41pm per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for the purpose to consult with
the county attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege with the following
individuals permitted to attend: County Attorney Ellis Hankins, County Manager Katherine
Cathey, and Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves.
Closed Session #2 was called to order at 8:41pm.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:48pm.
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RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting
at 8:49pm until Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 9:00am in the commissioners’ room 215.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman