07-17-2023 Meeting Minutes BOC
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JULY 17, 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, July 17, 2023 at 9:00am 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. Vice Chairman Sims offered an
invocation and Commissioner Palmer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman Powell stated the need to add an additional Closed Session to the agenda
for the purpose to consult with the county attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege as Closed Session #2; the currently listed Closed Session #2 will now be Closed
Session #3. In addition, Chairman Powell noted a request to add an item to the agenda for
a Financial Advisory Agreement Addendum with DEC Associates for support related to the
lease renewal or construction of a new Human Services Building.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda,
as adjusted with the additional Closed Session and the Financial Advisory Agreement
Addendum with DEC Associates, as noted above.
Commissioner Palmer requested to have the resolution, as communicated by a
representative of the Person County GOP at the Board’s June 5, 2023 meeting, placed on a
future agenda for consideration of support.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Bob Brauer of 1 Bobwhite Road, Roxboro and Chair of the Environmental
Issues Advisory Committee, stated support of Sheriff Wilborn’s request to use inmates for
roadside cleanup and urged the Board to approve.
Ms. Holly Anne Rogers of 405 Younger Road, Roxboro expressed her support and
commitment for the Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corp. funding request for local
funds for a Housing First Shelter to address the homelessness in Person County; she urged
the Board to support the collaborative request.
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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. Approval of Minutes of June 5, 2023,
B. Approval of Minutes of June 7, 2023,
C. Approval of Minutes of June 19, 2023,
D. Budget Amendment #23,
E. Request to approve Tracy Clayton as a deputy chief finance officer to carry out
pre-audit duties, and
F. Tax Adjustments for July 2023
a. Tax Releases
b. NC Vehicle Tax System pending refunds
NEW BUSINESS:
PERSON COUNTY MUSEUM UPDATES:
Person County Museum of History Executive Director Carrie Currie shared the
following presentation in response to the funding allocation for FY22-23, to update the
Board on how the funding was utilized and the ways the museum has been involved in the
community, specifically from January through June 2023. Ms. Currie stated the Museum
is now open 18 hours per week/3-days per week and has hired another staff member.
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Chairman Powell expressed his gratitude to Ms. Currie and the volunteers for their
efforts. He asked her about the membership drive to which Ms. Currie stated the fund
campaign replaced the membership drive. She added the Museum was free to tour, however
they do request a donation.
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Commissioner Palmer asked about the Historical Society again using the Museum
facilities for its meetings to which Ms. Currie said they could meet at the Long House. He
asked about potential street closures for the Gala event to which Ms. Currie stated weather
permitting, they could utilize the yard lot at the Parsonage.
Vice Chairman Sims stated appreciation of the staff and volunteers as well as the
update to the Board since county funds were approved. He said it was nice to see the
improvements progressing.
ROXBORO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT CORP. (RCRC) FUNDING
REQUEST FOR HOUSING FIRST SHELTER OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT
NEEDS:
Felts Lewis, President of Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corporation
(RCRC), the 501 (c)(3) non-profit affordable housing instrumentality of Roxboro Housing
Authority, proposes to use the Housing First Model of The National Alliance to End
Homeless (NAEH) to operate a 14-unit, modern, non-congregate homeless shelter
constructed from federal grant funds administered by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency.
This agency considers Person to be a priority county for non-congregate and permanent
rental housing development funding.
Mr. Lewis said that RCRC was partnering with local supportive services agencies
(Dept. of Social Services, Dept. of Health, Person Family Medical and Dental Center,
Freedom House, Safe Haven, Christian Help Center and Piedmont Community College to
name a few) to provide housing, job readiness, health care, substance abuse, sexual
assault/domestic violence and other supportive services needs for qualifying residents. An
operations plan including but not limited to intake documentation recommended by the
NAEH shall be implemented and executed. RCRC shall receive technical assistance from
other shelters in the region as it solidifies its operations to reduce homelessness in Person
County.
The construction of a 14-unit, permanent rental housing community as alluded to
above, shall serve as a means to permanently house an undetermined number of
individuals/families after a 45-day maximum stay at the homeless shelter.
Vacant land at the end of Mt. Bethel Church Street owned by Roxboro Housing
Authority is the proposed new construction site for both the shelter and rental housing
community. RCRC is currently working with HUD and the City of Roxboro to allow these
projects to move forward.
Local churches have pledged their financial support of operations; however,
additional funding is necessary as federal funds do not cover operational costs such as case
management, overnight attendant and management staff; utilities, supplies, etc.
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Mr. Lewis requested Board consideration to allocate $60,000 to support shelter
operations, furnishings and equipment. To further illustrate his request of the Board, Mr.
Lewis shared the following presentation:
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Mr. David Stogner of Stogner Architecture of Rockingham presented the proposed
floor plan layout noting he works with housing authorities of NC and SC.
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Mr. Lewis stated the one-time funding request to support a shelter in Person County
is not included in the grant funding and would help with costs for operations and equipment.
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Vice Chairman Sims asked Mr. Lewis if local contractors would be used to which
Mr. Lewis affirmed noting all would be considered. Vice Chairman Sims asked if the
neighbors were receptive of the proposed development to which Mr. Lewis stated yes, as
they would be benefactors of the new development.
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Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Stogner of an anticipated construction date; Mr.
Stogner stated the NC Housing Finance decision would be made by the end of the calendar
year, plans would take 3-5 months with construction completed by the third or fourth quarter
2025. Commissioner Puryear asked if local funds were requested now, since the project
would not be completed until 2025, to which Mr. Lewis said the funding would be used as
proof for capacity noting they have consultants to pay, a required Environmental Study to
complete as well as costs associated with moving the parcel from the Roxboro Housing
Authority to the RCRC non-profit entity. Should the grant application be denied, Mr. Lewis
assured the Board that the funding would be used for other great needs. Mr. Lewis added
that the state sees Person County as a primary county as an underserved area not having a
shelter.
Commissioner Thomas asked about security to which Mr. Lewis stated there would
be cameras installed and on-site personnel. The Roxboro Police Department has a satellite
office located at Harris Garden site and surveils by driving through the properties routinely.
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County Manager Katherine Cathey offered up funding sources for the $60,000
request with either the FY24 contingency fund, that has $200,000, or unobligated ARP
funds.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to allocate $60,000 to
the Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corporation for Housing First Shelter operations
and equipment needs, as requested using unobligated ARP Funds.
Commissioner Puryear asked Mr. Lewis for quarterly updates to the Board, when
available, either by email or by presentation at a Board meeting
TAX COLLECTOR SETTLEMENT:
Tax Administrator Russell Jones stated as required by NC General Statute 105-
373(a)(3), an annual settlement for taxes for the current fiscal year and all previous years
must be made with the governing body of the taxing unit. Mr. Jones shared the following
Tax Collector Settlement presentation:
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Mr. Jones stated the county had the highest ever collection rate of 99.46%, which is
compared to the state collection rate of 99.21% and ranked third among peer counties.
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Mr. Jones said the 5-year comparison for the overall collection rate factors in the
DMV collections with no adjustments for bankruptcy bills.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to accept the Tax
Collector Settlement report, as presented.
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ORDER TO COLLECT TAXES:
Tax Administrator Russell Jones stated as required by NC General Statute 105-321,
the governing board of the taxing unit must issue an order of collection to tax collectors.
This gives the tax collector legal authority to collect taxes.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to direct Tax
Collector to collect taxes for 2023 and delinquent taxes from prior years.
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CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT FOR 2025 REAPPRAISAL SERVICES:
Tax Administrator Russell Jones stated NC General Statutes require counties to
conduct a countywide reappraisal at least every eight years. Person County’s last
reappraisal was conducted for 2021; however, the county adopted an advanced schedule to
include four-year reappraisals. Currently, Mr. Jones noted the sales ratio is 73%. If more
than a 10% off, a reappraisal is necessary. Therefore, Mr. Jones said the county was
scheduled for a reappraisal for 2025. This project normally takes just under two years, and
therefore the Tax Office will need to start on this project soon.
In order to best negotiate a contract for this service, Mr. Jones issued an RFP
(Request for Proposal) for the 2025 Reappraisal. The RFP was mailed to all 15 approved
reappraisal vendors, as certified by the NC Department of Revenue resulting in four
proposals ranging in cost from $616,000 to $725,000.
The RFP criteria that was considered during the selection process is listed below:
1. Clarity of Proposal.
2. Firm understands of the project objectives.
3. Firm has recommended approach to the project, including Firm’s demonstrated
ability to conduct reappraisal program services within North Carolina.
4. Qualifications of principal(s) to perform the work and the level of involvement
in the project.
5. Qualifications of project manager, supervisor, and key personnel assigned to the
project.
6. Firm’s knowledge and demonstrated experience specifically with reappraisal
programs within North Carolina.
7. Firm’s familiarity with North Carolina statutes and other laws relating to
reappraisal programs.
8. Firm’s ability to perform the project based on the successful completion of
similarly sized projects with similar project scope.
9. Proof of like projects that were completed on time and at or under budget.
After careful examination of the RFPs received, and using the criteria above, Mr.
Jones said that staff unanimously selected Pearson's Appraisal Service Incorporated at a cost
of $642,600 ($175,000 higher than the contract four years ago). After selection, he said
they proceeded to negotiate the service contract for Board consideration, noting the County
Attorney has reviewed. He added by state statute, funds are set aside each year to cover the
costs of a reappraisal, noting all funds are budgeted.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to authorize the
execution of the contract with Pearson's Appraisal Service Incorporated, as presented.
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RESOLUTION ENACTING THE RULES AND STANDARD REGULATIONS
DEFINED BY THE SHERIFF OF PERSON COUNTY FOR THE USE OF
INMATE/PRISONER LABOR FOR PROJECTS TO BENEFIT UNITS OF STATE
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 162-58, Sheriff Jason Wilborn
requested the Board approve a resolution implementing necessary rules and regulations for
work on projects to benefit units of state or local government by persons convicted of
misdemeanors or felonies and imprisoned in the local confinement facilities or satellite
jail/work release units.
The sheriff shall approve rules and regulations enacted by the Board. Prisoners
working under this section shall be supervised by county employees or by the sheriff. The
rules enacted by the Board and approved by the sheriff shall specify a procedure for ensuring
that county employees supervising prisoners pursuant to this section be provided with notice
that the persons placed under their supervision are inmates from a local confinement facility
or a satellite jail/work release unit.
The sheriff plans to increase the number of state inmates housed at the jail now that
staffing has improved, and he would like to implement a roadside cleanup program. Eligible
inmates may also do other work that will benefit the community. This resolution would
allow the use of prisoners under the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program
(SMCP) to work on state and county projects under the supervision of the Sheriff.
Sheriff Wilborn shared the following presentation outlining the SMCP for trash
pickup:
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Sheriff Wilborn said other than the proposed trash pickup; inmates may be used to
clean up the firing range and painting projects. Currently Sheriff Wilborn has 15 state
misdemeanants housed in Person County. This proposal will not rely on overtime, as he
will use retired part-time or reserve deputies as necessary.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve a
Resolution Enacting the Rules and Standard Regulations Defined by the Sheriff of Person
County for the use of Inmate/Prisoner Labor for projects to benefit units of state and local
government.
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2023 YEAR OF THE TRAIL PROCLAMATION:
Recreation, Arts and Parks Director John Hill told the group that North Carolina is
known as a great trail state noting the county-owned park at Mayo has a trail system utilized
by citizens and visitors. Mr. Hill said with the future County Farm Park, there would be
many more visitors to Person County. Mr. Hill said that NC Governor Roy Cooper has
proclaimed 2023 as the Year of the Trail and requested each county to acknowledge the
2023 Year of the Trail Proclamation. Mr. Hill provided an overview of the Mission and
Goals of the NC Year of the Trail as follows:
Mission, Purpose, Vision, & Values for the NC Year of the Trail
Mission: NC Year of the Trail campaign aims to showcase and celebrate North
Carolina’s trails, encouraging ongoing participation, investment, and development
among locals and legislators.
Purpose: Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast and diverse collection
of trails and encourages all of us to recognize our role as champions of these special
resources.
Vision: We envision a future in which each of the state’s 100 counties experience
the proven benefits of trails and advocate for their ongoing growth and development.
Values: Participation, Inclusivity, Stewardship, Connectivity, Collaboration
Year of the Trail Goals
Inspire people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to try trails.
Demonstrate the importance of trails to elected officials.
Boost outdoor recreation tourism across the state through Year of the Trail events in
all 100 counties.
Promote safe and responsible use of trails.
Advance diversity and inclusion on trails across North Carolina.
Acknowledge the role of volunteers in building and maintaining trails.
Trails are valuable to communities because the benefits they provide are readily and
freely enjoyed by a diversity of identities, abilities, and backgrounds, particularly for those
who’ve historically and continually faced undue and disproportionate barriers to trail access.
Therefore, we strive to build a North Carolina where trails are accessible, safe, and
welcoming to all residents and visitors.
NC Trails Background & History
Indigenous people have inhabited the land now known as North Carolina since the
Paleoindian Period (12,000-10,000 BCE). Trails were created and used for travel, hunting
and gathering of food, recreation, commerce and many other aspects of everyday life. All
of our current-day connectivity stems from these trails – as people moved along rivers and
ridgelines, through forests and the Low country, and along the changing coastlines, trails
were established. These trails turned into stagecoach routes, then railroads, and finally into
the complex system of roads and interstate highways we know today.
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Mr. Hill noted Person County is planning an event this fall to be held at either the
new park, Mayo Park or at the Sportsplex.
A motion was made by Commissioner Palmer and carried 5-0 to acknowledge the
NC Governor’s 2023 Year of the Trail Proclamation.
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DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE TO NC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves stated voting credentials for the 2023 NCACC
Annual Business Session scheduled on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00pm in Wake
County must be submitted by August 21, 2023 in order for Person County’s delegate to
participate in the association’s annual election of officers and policy adoption.
Ms. Reaves requested Board action to designate Vice Chairman Derrick Sims
attending the Conference as Person County’s voting delegate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to designate Vice
Chairman Sims as Person County voting delegate at the NC Association of County
Commissioners’ annual business session on August 26, 2023.
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FINANCIAL ADVISORY AGREEMENT ADDENDUM 2 WITH DEC
ASSOCIATES:
County Manager Katherine Cathey requested Board consideration to approve the
Financial Advisory Agreement Addendum 2 with DEC Associates and to authorize the
County Manager to sign the addendum. She noted this addendum would support DEC
Associates assistance related to the lease renewal or construction of a new Human Services
Building. Ms. Cathey indicated a proposal was received from Brixmor related to lease
renewal at the current site. In addition, Ms. Cathey said four responses were received from
the RFP for new construction.
The Local Government Commission would be evaluating Person County related to
a possible financing or on public/private options. Ms. Cathey said DEC Associates, Person
County’s debt consultants, have shepherded staff through the process to determine
financially the best course of action as the current lease with Brixmor will end in August
2025.
Ms. Cathey recommended the Contingency Fund as the source of revenue to fund
the requested Finance Advisory Agreement Addendum 2 with DEC Associates charging
$25,000 plus out of pocket expenses.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the
Financial Advisory Agreement Addendum 2 with DEC Associates.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported on the following:
Auditorium renovations complete,
New client at the Airport Hanger under lease,
Meeting with NC Commerce, EDPNC, Representative Ray Jeffers and others
regarding economic development in Person County,
Duke Energy proposed future in Person County as a preferred site,
Brightspeed $1.9M grant award to enhance broadband in Person County,
Mega Park stakeholders discussion continues to secure client, and
Ben Tillett, Health Board member will lead the National Board of Health as
President beginning August 1, 2023.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey congratulated Tax Administrator Russell Jones
and his staff on the highest ever collection rate.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims commented on outside workers to take care to reduce heat
stress.
Commissioner Palmer commented a lot was accomplished; he asked about the
mapping of the Brightspeed broadband expansion in Person County; County Manager
Katherine Cathey stated she has not yet received the mapping detail.
There were no reports from Commissioners Thomas and Puryear.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #1 at 11:13am 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, Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch and Economic Development
Commission Chair Phillip Allen.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 11:21am.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:36pm.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #2 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) at 12:38pm 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, Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves and Planning Director Chris Bowley.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #2 to order at 12:38pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:54pm.
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CLOSED SESSION #3
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #3 at 12:55pm per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the purpose to discuss
personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey and Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves.
Chairman Powell called Closed Session #3 to order at 12:56pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 1:42pm.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 1:43pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman