12-05-2022 Meeting Minutes BOC
December 5, 2022
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DECEMBER 5, 2022
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
Patricia Gentry- absent
Jason Thomas
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 6:00pm in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum was present.
Commissioner Gentry was absent. Chairman Powell requested a moment of silence in
memorial to the 2,400 plus men and women who died defending our nation on December
7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Chairman Powell offered an invocation and Commissioner Palmer
led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 21, 2022:
Chairman Powell presented to the Board the minutes of November 21, 2022 for
approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 4-0 to approve the
minutes of November 21, 2022.
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSIONER PATRICIA “PJ” GENTRY:
Chairman Powell read a plaque in appreciation of outgoing Commissioner PJ
Gentry for her two (2) years of service (December 7, 2020 to December 5, 2022).
Chairman Powell then passed the gavel to County Attorney, Ellis Hankins to
preside over the Board.
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY:
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins introduced the Honorable Deborah L. Barker, Clerk
of Superior Court. Ms. Barker administered the Oath of Office to the commissioners elect:
Kyle W. Puryear and Jason Thomas.
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The Honorable Deborah L. Barker administered the Oath of Office to the Soil and
Water Conservation District Supervisors: Gregory Foushee, Eugene Berryhill, Jr., and
Bruce Whitfield.
ORGANIZATION OF BOARD:
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins stated as noted in the Board’s Rules of Procedure,
the Board would convene its organization of the Board. Mr. Hankins proceeded to the
nomination and election of the Board of Commissioners’ Chairman noting if multiple
nominations were received, he would ask the Board to vote in the order of the nomination.
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins called for nominations for Chairman of the Board
of Commissioners.
Commissioner Puryear nominated Commissioner Powell for Chairman of the
Board. There were no other nominations for Chairman.
Being no further nominations, Mr. Hankins closed nominations for Chairman of
the Board of Commissioners, and by acclamation announced Commissioner Powell as
Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Hankins gave Chairman Powell the gavel to preside over the meeting.
Chairman Powell thanked his fellow commissioners for their show of confidence to elect
him their Chairman. He stated it was his honor and privilege to serve as Chairman for all
the citizens of the county and he would do so to the best of his ability.
Chairman Powell opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairman of the Board
of Commissioners.
Commissioner Palmer nominated Commissioner Sims for Vice Chairman.
Being no further nominations, Chairman Powell closed nominations for Vice
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and by acclamation announced Commissioner
Sims as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Vice Chairman Sims stated he looked forward to the good work by the Board of
Commissioners going forward.
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APPROVAL OF BONDS FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR, THE REGISTER OF
DEEDS, THE SHERIFF, AND THE TAX ADMINISTRATOR:
County Attorney, Ellis Hankins stated Chapter 161(Register of Deeds) and 162
(Sheriff) of the North Carolina General Statutes requires the Board of County
Commissioners to approve the official bonds at the first meeting in December. The Bonds
are a continuation of existing bonds and were secured by the County Human Resources
Director, who also serves as Insurance Liaison. The Human Resources Director provided
information that the Sheriff’s bond, in the amount of $25,000, is for the length of his term.
The Bonds of the Register of Deeds in the amount of $50,000, $100,000 for the Tax
Administrator and $1M for the Finance Director (amount of each Bond is dictated by
legislature).
Mr. Hankins presented a Resolution to Approve the Bonding of County Officials
and requested Board approval of the Bonds of the Finance Director, the Register of Deeds,
the Sheriff and the Tax Administrator as presented.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution to Approve the Bonding of County Officials, and thereby approving the Bonds
of the Register of Deeds in the amount of $50,000, $100,000 for the Tax Administrator,
$1M for the Finance Director as well as $25,000 for the Sheriff.
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Chairman Powell called a brief recess at 6:17pm. The meeting reconvened at
6:31pm.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Chairman requested to add Closed Session #3 to the agenda to confer with the
county attorney for a confidential legal matter.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to add to the agenda
a Closed Session #3 and to approve the agenda as adjusted.
PUBLIC HEARING:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO SUBMIT THE FISCAL YEAR 2024
COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for consideration of approval to submit the Fiscal Year 2024
Community Transportation Program Application.
Public Transportation Director Mitch Fleig stated a public hearing was being
conducted for consideration of approval to submit the Fiscal Year 2024 Community
Transportation Program Application for federal and state funding and commitment of local
share funds. Mr. Fleig noted this was an annual request and that a public hearing was
required as part of the application process. The Application is scheduled to be submitted to
the NC Dept. of Transportation (DOT) no later than December 9, 2022.
The Community Transportation Program supports transportation programs
operating in Person County and provides transportation options and services for the
communities within this service area. These services are provided using Light Transit
Buses (LTV’s) operated by the Person Area Transportation System (PATS).
Mr. Fleig further noted that PATS would be requesting replacement of three LTV
buses in Fiscal Year 2024. Due to supply shortages, PATS did not receive replacement
vehicles in Fiscal Year 2022 and was not guaranteed vehicles in Fiscal Year 2023. He
added the three LTV buses are running from six to eighteen months for delivery. Mr. Fleig
noted he currently had seven buses that qualify to be replaced according to the NC DOT
guidelines for replacement.
The total estimated amount requested is for the period July 1, 2023 through June
30, 2024. NOTE: The local share amount is subject to State funding availability.
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Project Total Amount Local Share
Administrative $198,342 $29,751 (15%)
Capital (Vehicles & Other) $325,000 $32,500 (10%)
TOTAL PROJECT $523,342 $62,251
Mr. Fleig said the manager recommended that the Board approve the local share
for $62,251 for Fiscal Year 2024.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Transportation Program Application.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for consideration of approval to submit the Fiscal Year 2024 Community
Transportation Program Application.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST TO SUBMIT THE FY24
COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the request
to submit the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Transportation Program Application as well as
approve the required local funds for the Fiscal Year 2024, as presented.
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING SHERIFF DEWEY E. JONES:
Chairman Powell recognized the Outgoing Sheriff Dewey E. Jones with a
Resolution of Appreciation for his sixteen (16) years of service as Person County’s Sheriff.
Chairman Powell and the Board extended best wishes to Mr. Jones on his retirement.
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Mr. Jones said he had a great working relationship with the Board of
Commissioners and Department Heads. He thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve
as the County’s Sheriff for sixteen years.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mr. Patrick Riley of 256 Hicks Yarboro Rd., Roxboro addressed the Board on news
he heard about the LGBTQ missionaries are causing a split in the Methodist Church by the
request to be allowed in church. Mr. Riley said the missionaries of discontent have
introduced this issue not as a sympathy to spare the feelings of people who have been
misled, but instead to increase the political power of those who undermine solid American
values. He called for this doctrine not be allowed in Person County Schools.
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 # 11,
B. Consideration of Approval of 1 additional taxpayer Late Homestead
Exemption, and
C. Duke Energy Foundation Grant Application for the Department of Emergency
Services up to $50,000 for hazardous materials incident response and support
capability
NEW BUSINESS:
FINAL APPROVAL OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY TO HAROLD T.
BROOKS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AN OUTPARCEL OF HELENA SCHOOL
PROPERTY, TIMBERLAKE:
County Attorney Ellis Hankins stated this potential sale of real property owned by
Person County was before the Board of Commissioners on October 17, and the Board
directed the County Attorney and staff to begin the process to sell the property under the
statutory negotiated offer, advertisement and upset bid process, subject to final approval
by the Board at a later meeting. The process as required by G.S. 160A-269 has been
completed, and the County received no upset bids.
Mr. Hankins noted the written offer in hand is to purchase a 2.33 acre outparcel of
the Helena School property, located in Timberlake. Harold T. Brooks Limited Partnership
(William Brooks and Roy Brooks) offered $11,650 (the value according to our appraisal
report), plus the cost to Person County for the survey and appraisal ($2,825 and $500,
respectively). Therefore, the total offer was $14,975.
Should the Board wish to give final approval for the sale, Mr. Hankins said the
following was the appropriate motion and action: Final acceptance of the pending offer and
approval of sale, subject to a mutually acceptable contract of sale with the successful
bidder.
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If the Board approves, the Mr. Hankins recommended that the Buyer retain an
attorney and obtain a title opinion, and provide a completed contract of sale, and then both
parties would proceed to closing.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve final
acceptance of the pending offer and approval of sale to Harold T. Brooks Limited
Partnership for 2.33 acres outparcel of the Helena School Property in Timberlake.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2023 SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS
FOR THE PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated North Carolina General Statute 153A-40
requires the Board of Commissioners to hold a regular meeting at least once a month. Ms.
Cathey presented to the Board a Resolution Establishing 2023 Schedule of Regular
Meetings for consideration, discussion and adoption.
Ms. Cathey asked the Board to consider the proposed dates and take action to adopt
a Resolution Establishing 2023 Schedule of Regular Meetings so to cause copy of such to
be distributed and posted.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution Establishing 2023 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the Person County Board
of Commissioners, as presented.
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FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET CALENDAR:
County Manager Katherine Cathey said a budget calendar has been developed for
the Board’s adoption, outlining a schedule for the timing of the budget process. A Board
Retreat is proposed for February 21st, along with the Capital Improvement Plan adoption
in April, Presentation of the Recommended Budget in May, a required Budget Public
Hearing on June 5th and Adoption of the FY2023-2024 Budget Ordinance on June 19th.
The dates outlined are subject to change if needed, but this will facilitate an organized
budget process for staff and elected officials.
Ms. Cathey asked the Board to adopt the budget calendar for FY2023-2024 and
provide feedback and changes to staff as needed.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt the Fiscal
Year 2023-2024 Budget Calendar, as presented.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell recognized Person County’s newly elected representative, Ray
Jeffers, present in the audience; he added he was looking forward to working with him.
Chairman Powell congratulated Mr. Roy Carver of Rocky Acre Farm for being
awarded First Place at the NC State Fair for his alfalfa as well as receiving the Jim Green
Award for Best in Show.
Chairman Powell stated the local Christmas Parade was scheduled for Saturday,
December 11, 2022.
MANAGER’S REPORT:
County Manager, Katherine Cathey congratulated Commissioners Puryear and
Thomas on their election.
Ms. Cathey reported the County’s Service Awards for five-year milestones would
be recognized on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 to which all the commissioners received an
invitation to attend.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Vice Chairman Sims reported the recent Jingle on the Main event was well attended
and deemed a success.
Commissioner Palmer commented on his humbling experience attending the
swearing-in ceremony for the new Sheriff Jason Wilborn noting he was looking forward to
working with him.
Commissioner Thomas thanked God, his wife, his daughter, his family and friends
for their support of his election. He said he looked forward to working with his fellow
commissioners. Commissioner Thomas bid congratulations to the new sheriff, Jason
Wilborn.
Commissioner Puryear congratulated Chairman Powell and Vice Chairman Sims
on their new term in their roles on the Board noting he was looking forward to a great year
ahead. He thanked his family and friends for supporting him to be reelected.
Commissioner Puryear extended his congratulations to Representative Elect Ray Jeffers as
well as congratulated Clerk of Court, Deborah Barker, Sheriff Jason Wilborn and
Commissioner Thomas.
Commissioner Puryear bid farewell to former sheriff Dewey Jones noting they both
were elected at the same time and thanked him for keeping Person County safe for the last
16 years.
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Chairman Powell requested the County Manager to look into bring information to
the Board in January on a proposal related to the possibility to make the Museum of History
Director position full-time noting it was currently part-time.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) at 6:58pm for the purpose to discuss
personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: Sheriff Jason Wilborn,
County Manager Katherine M. Cathey, Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves, and County
Attorney Ellis Hankins.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 7:00pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:20pm.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to raise the annual
salary of the Sheriff to $110,000.
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)(6) at 7:22pm for the purpose to discuss
personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
M. Cathey, Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves and County Attorney Ellis Hankins.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #2 to order at 7:23pm.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:32pm.
CLOSED SESSION #3
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session #3 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) at 7:33pm 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 Manager Katherine M. Cathey, Clerk to the Board
Brenda Reaves and County Attorney Ellis Hankins.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #3 to order at 7:33pm.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:40pm.
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ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 7:40pm.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman