12-07-2020 Meeting Minutes BOC
December 7, 2020
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DECEMBER 7, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
B. Ray Jeffers Heidi York, County Manager
Jimmy B. Clayton Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear C. Ronald Aycock, County Attorney
Gordon Powell
C. Derrick Sims
Charlie Palmer
Patricia Gentry
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
regular session on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 7:00pm in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium.
Chairman Jeffers called the meeting to order and recognized the Person County
Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard to present Colors and to lead the group in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Chairman Jeffers offered an invocation.
County Attorney, Ron Aycock participated in the meeting remotely.
RACE UNITY MONTH PROCLAMATION:
Chairman Jeffers read and presented a Proclamation proclaiming the month of
December 2020 as Race Unity Month to Mr. Ronnie Dunevant.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020:
Chairman Jeffers presented to the Board the minutes of November 16, 2020 for
approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to approve the
minutes of November 16, 2020.
RECOGNITION OF COMMISSIONER JIMMY B. CLAYTON:
Chairman Jeffers presented Commissioner Jimmy B. Clayton a plaque in
appreciation of twenty (20) years of service (December 4, 2000 to December 7, 2020)
including four (4) years as the Board’s Chair and six (6) years as the Board’s Vice
Chairman. Chairman Jeffers thanked Commissioner Clayton for his example and efforts
on behalf of the citizens of Person County. All commissioners extended their personal
gratitude for his service. Mr. Clayton commented he strived to do what was best for the
citizens of Person County. Mr. Clayton requested a moment of silence to honor the
memory of former commissioners, the late Larry Bowes and Eugene Berryhill to whom he
had the honor to work alongside.
RECOGNITION OF B. RAY JEFFERS:
Vice Chairman Powell presented to Chairman B. Ray Jeffers a plaque in
appreciation of the twelve (12) years of service (December 1, 2008 to December 7, 2020)
including this last year serving as the Board’s Chairman and three (3) years as the Board’s
Vice Chairman. The outgoing commissioner commented on his experience saying he
appreciated the opportunity to serve Person County. Commissioners extended their
personal gratitude for his service to the citizens of Person County.
Chairman Jeffers then passed the gavel to County Attorney, Ron Aycock to preside
over the Board.
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SWEARING-IN CEREMONY:
County Attorney, Ron Aycock introduced the Honorable Deborah L. Barker, Clerk
of Superior Court. Ms. Barker administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected
Commissioners Patricia “PJ” Gentry, Charlie Palmer, Gordon Powell, and Derrick Sims.
ORGANIZATION OF BOARD:
County Attorney, Ron Aycock proceeded to the nomination and election of the
Board’s Chairman and Vice Chairman.
County Attorney, Ron Aycock presided and 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.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the
nominations for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and by acclamation elect
Commissioner Powell as Chairman of the Board.
County Attorney Aycock opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairman of
the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Sims nominated Commissioner Puryear for Vice Chairman.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to close the
nominations for Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and by acclamation elect
Commissioner Puryear as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Chairman Powell took the gavel to preside over the meeting. He thanked his fellow
commissioners for their show of confidence to elect him their Chairman.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda.
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APPROVAL OF BONDS FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR, THE REGISTER OF
DEEDS, THE SHERIFF, AND THE TAX ADMINISTRATOR:
County Attorney, Ron Aycock 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 and $100,000 each for the
Tax Administrator and Finance Director (amount of each Bond is dictated by legislature).
Mr. Aycock 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 Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Bonds of the Register of Deeds in the amount of $50,000 and $100,000 each for the Tax
Administrator and Finance Director as well as $25,000 for the Sheriff.
PUBLIC HEARING:
ADOPTION OF 2021 SCHEDULE OF VALUES/PRESENT-USE VALUE
SECTION:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for the 2021 Schedule of Values/Present-Use Value Section.
Tax Administrator, Russell Jones stated the 2021 Reappraisal was a turnkey project
conducted by Pearson Appraisal Service. All appraisers are certified as appraisers by the
NC Department of Revenue.
The Schedules were made available to the public by placing a copy in the
Assessor’s Office, and by posting a copy on the Person County Website. The public
hearing was advertised in the Courier Times as required by General Statutes.
The Board shall conduct its public hearing and receive feedback on the Schedules;
the Schedules will need to be adopted in two separate motions:
1) One motion for the adoption for the 2021 Schedule of Values, excluding the
Present-Use Value section (pages 26-27), and
2) A second motion for to adopt the Schedule of Values, Present-Use Value
Section
(pages 26-27).
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Mr. Jones shared the following presentation on the 2021 Reappraisal process
resulting in the proposed 2021 Schedule of Values/Present-Use Values.
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Mr. Jones noted True or Market Value is a requirement for North Carolina as a
100% assessment state. He added that only real property would see a change in value during
revaluation. This includes all land (large tracts, building sites, lake lots, and subdivisions),
improvements (buildings and other structures), industrial buildings, commercial property.
Over 27,500 properties have been reviewed and reappraised.
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Mr. Jones stated appraised, vehicles, equipment appraised annually at 100% of
market value.
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Mr. Jones noted some aspects of a property change without a permit or the tax
office’s knowledge. This is the time when properties are adjusted for economic conditions.
He further noted that the Tax Office uses Pictometry using sketch-check for accuracy.
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Mr. Jones said the mandate was to stay above 90% to avoid “equalization with state
appraised”. Since state appraised is adjusted annually, the tax appraisal must remain fair
in the value vs. real property. He indicated that current sales are showing a 99% ratio,
meaning that there is a 1% under assessment. A 90% sales ratio would indicate a loss in
revenues of $662,567 due to equalization.
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Sales during 2019 and 2020, amounting to 1,000 qualified sales that help staff
define market value. This is more than double the sales experienced during the 2013
reappraisal. From all qualified sales, the tax office develops the “Schedule of Values”.
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Commissioner Sims asked when tax cards are updated in the system to which Mr.
Jones stated current tax cards are based on the 2013 revaluation; he said the tax cards are
updated with new values at the same time as the notices are mailed to property owners.
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Commissioner Sims asked about the grade system used on the tax cards. Mr. Jones
stated the grade system speaks to the complexity of the level to which the house is built as
well as used as a guideline for the appraisers.
Commissioner Gentry asked how long did the revaluation process take to which
Mr. Jones said it was a two-year plus process.
As Mr. Jones answered questions from commissioners; he explained more weight
was placed on recent qualified sales reflecting today’s market (no foreclosures are
included). He explained how decks are valued separately and that the Schedule of Values
are very complex and hard for the average citizen to understand. The Schedule of Values
provides for equity and uniformity for a level playing field for values across the county.
Commissioner Puryear asked how many appeals would the tax office anticipate in
the revaluation year to which Mr. Jones said they had about 3,500 appeals in the last
revaluation but anticipated around 1,000 noting public confidence and uncertainty played
a role in tax payer’s decision to appeal.
There were no individuals appearing before Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the 2021 Schedule of Values/Present-Use Value Section.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for the 2021 Schedule of Values/Present-Use Value Section.
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CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT THE 2021 SCHEDULE OF VALUES,
EXCLUDING THE PRESENT-USE VALUE SECTION (PAGES 26-27):
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry to table this item to allow more time
to understand the 2021 Schedule of Values, excluding the Present-Use Value Section
(pages 26-27).
Vice Chairman Puryear asked Mr. Jones when action was needed for the Board of
Equalization and Review to which Mr. Jones stated the Board would have to take action
by March 1st whether to make appointments to the current Special Board of Equalization
and Review or should the Board of Commissioners desire to sit as the Board of
Equalization and Review.
Vice Chairman Puryear noted his fellow commissioners had not experienced
taxpayer appeals to the Board of Equalization and Review and recommended them to have
further conversations with Mr. Jones to better understand the revaluation process.
With further discussion, the Board consented to recess this meeting to December
15th at 9:00am to bring back the 2021 Schedule of Values to allow commissioners time to
speak with Mr. Jones informally to more fully understand the reappraisal process and
Schedules of Values.
Commissioner Gentry amended her motion as follows:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gentry and carried 5-0 to table action on
the 2021 Schedule of Values, excluding the Present-Use Value Section (pages 26-27) to
December 15, 2020 at 9:00am.
CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT THE 2021 SCHEDULE OF VALUES, PRESENT-
USE VALUE SECTION (PAGES 26-27):
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to table action on
the 2021 Schedule of Values, Present-Use Value Section (pages 26-27) to December 15,
2020 at 9:00am.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
FISCAL YEAR 2022 NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Fiscal Year 2022 NC Department of Transportation (DOT)
Community Transportation Program Application.
Person Area Transportation System (PATS) Director, Kurt Neufang stated the
purpose of the public hearing is to allow public comment on the administrative and capital
requests for the FY2022 Community Transportation Program grant. PATS is applying for
a grant totaling $325,029. This includes administrative expenses of $190,237 and capital
expenses of $134,792. The total local share of up to $65,007 includes a 20% match for
administration ($38,047) and a 20% match for capital purchases ($26,960). The capital
request has been reduced due to confirming the need to replace only two aging vehicles,
rather than four, as originally projected.
On November 16, 2020, the board approved the county’s traditional local share of
$55,021 (10% match for administrative expenses and 15% match for capital expenses) for
FY2022. The State of North Carolina notified PATS that applicants should be prepared to
fund the entire local share of 20% in the event state funding is not available in the next
fiscal year. If that were to happen, the county would need to fund the entire local share of
$65,007. This is an increase of $9,986 over the amount previously approved by the Board
of Commissioners.
If state funding is available, the county will be responsible for the traditional 15%
of local funding for administrative expenses and 10% of capital expenses. However, for
the grant application, NCDOT has instructed transit agencies to budget for the 20% local
match for both administration and capital costs.
Mr. Neufang asked the Board to conduct the public hearing and receive comments
regarding the grant application and to approve an additional $9,986 to fund up to a 20%
local match in the event that state funding is not available. This would bring the total local
funding to $65,007 to support the county’s grant request.
When asked about the total fleet count, Mr. Neufang said he had 14 vehicles and
two were slated by NCDOT to be replaced due to age/mileage guidelines.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to the Fiscal Year 2022 NC Department of Transportation (DOT) Community
Transportation Program Application.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Fiscal Year 2022 NC Department of Transportation (DOT) Community
Transportation Program Application.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY REQUEST FOR FY2022 NCDOT
COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the Fiscal
Year 2022 NC Department of Transportation (DOT) Community Transportation Program
Application as presented.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no comments from the public.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. Budget Amendment #7, and
B. Person Industries Record Destruction
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NEW BUSINESS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:
Economic Development Director, Sherry Wilborn presented the Economic
Development Commission recommendation for product development by reading the
following statement to the Board:
For those of you who have served on the Economic Development Commission or
have regularly attended the meetings, you are aware that we have had some significant
challenges with available and adequate buildings and sites for some time.
Going back to the fall of 2018, there were two major project announcements in the
county for new jobs and investment – Polywood and Open Book Extracts. These two
excellent investments located in existing buildings that were then upfit to match their
production needs.
Since that time, the remaining existing inventory that we have had to submit for
project requests and to market in recruitment efforts have not garnered a lot of interest for
modern manufacturing. Most often, when we get feedback, the ceiling heights are not high
enough, or the costs and time to upfit the older buildings have made other areas with newer
facilities more attractive.
In economic development, there is an adage that says, “No product, no project.”
Over the last two years, the EDC has taken a heightened look at our inventory needs
and considers that our chances for attracting new industry will be greatly reduced without
adequate and available industrial space. With great intentionality, they have reviewed
project data provided by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, a
study conducted by Creative Economic Development Consulting firm, professional
recommendations by commercial contractors and brokers, activity of other counties in the
region, and data tracked locally by the Economic Development department staff.
Locally, we could have submitted for 10 additional project requests this year, which
represented up to 1,330 jobs and over $232M in capital investment, if we had a 60,000sf
building that was expandable up to 100,000sf with adequate ceiling heights.
The first recommendation of the EDC came about a year ago when they directed
me to include a capital request of $6.1 million dollars for the construction of a shell
building. With capital requests having been placed on hold, project activity increasing,
and project timelines shrinking, the EDC has moved forward on site development on a
county owned parcel on North Park Dr., and is now requesting that you would authorize
the county manager and the director to move forward with an RFP process to enter into a
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public-private-partnership to construct a 60,000sf expandable shell building on the North
Park site.
It is important to understand that a shell building does not guarantee projects, and
the average maximum time that a shell might sit vacant is three years, as shared by other
counties that have built multiple shell buildings and corroborated by a firm who specializes
in speculative development.
If you authorize this request, you will not be committing to any funding at this time,
as a public hearing would need to take place prior to that, but you would be signaling to
the EDC and to any prospective construction companies that would respond to the RFP
that your intent would be to move forward if the responses were feasible.
To further explain the public private partnership, the county would put up the land,
the private partner would construct the building and assume the capital risk. The county
would assume the interest carry until the building could be leased or sold and would decide
what the value of the land would be to factor into the lease or sale price. The building is
the property of the private partner. For perspective, a similar arrangement for an
~100,000sf building had a capital investment of about $4M from the private partner and
the public partner carry costs were ~$27,000 per month. However, the building was leased
prior to the completion of construction, and the public partner did not have to make any
payments.
If authorized, the next steps would be to put together the RFQ/RFP package with
support from the attorney and the engineering firm that has worked with us on the site plan
and bring a timeline back to you at your January 4th meeting, if you so desire.
Ms. Wilborn told the Board that the Economic Development Commission (EDC)
has been considering what steps the county should take to spur new jobs and investment in
the absence of adequate and available inventory for modern manufacturing facilities. With
current capital projects on hold and a county-owned site under development, the EDC
unanimously supported recommending a public-private partnership to construct a 60,000sf
expandable shell building at the North Park Site at its meeting held on November 24, 2020.
Ms. Wilborn noted NC Law, including but not limited to the provisions of NC
General Statutes 143-128.1C and requested the Board to authorize the County Manager
and Economic Development Director to take the necessary steps to advertise for a Request
for Proposal and Qualifications to enter into a public-private partnership to construct a
60,000sf expandable shell building at the county-owned North Park site on North Park Dr.
in Roxboro.
Chairman Powell asked Ms. Wilborn how many requests for a building as described
to which she replied ten.
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Commissioners commented economic development equals jobs and this was a good
start.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to authorize the
County Manager and Economic Development Director to take the necessary steps to
advertise for a Request for Proposal and Qualifications to enter into a public-private
partnership to construct a 60,000sf expandable shell building at the county-owned North
Park site on North Park Dr. in Roxboro.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2021 SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS
FOR THE PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
County Manager, Heidi York stated the North Carolina General Statute 153A-40
requires the Board of Commissioners to hold a regular meeting at least once a month. Ms.
York presented to the Board a Resolution Establishing 2021 Schedule of Regular Meetings
for adoption to sets it regular-meeting schedule to be posted and distributed prior to the
new year.
Ms. York noted that in July 2020, the Board took action to hold its regular
scheduled meetings in the County Office Building Auditorium until further notice. She
further noted the proposed schedule of meeting posed no conflict with the following
conferences:
NACo Legislative Conference February 20-24 in Washington DC
NACo Annual Conference July 16-19 in Austin, TX
NCACC Conference August 12-14 in Wilmington, NC
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to adopt a
Resolution Establishing the 2021 Schedule of Regular Scheduled Meetings for the Person
County Board of Commissioners.
The adopted resolution follows:
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FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 BUDGET CALENDAR:
County Manager, Heidi York presented to the Board Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget
Calendar developed for the Board’s adoption, outlining a schedule for the timing of the
budget process. A Board Retreat is proposed for March 1st, along with the Capital
Improvement Plan adoption in April, Presentation of the Recommended Budget in May, a
required Budget Public Hearing on June 7th and Adoption of the FY2021-22 Budget
Ordinance on June 21st. The dates outlined are subject to change if needed, but this will
facilitate an organized budget process for staff and elected officials.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to adopt the Fiscal
Year 2021-22 Budget Calendar as presented.
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PERSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT
FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 BUDGET CALENDAR
Date Task
Mon/Dec. 7, 2020* BOCC adopts FY22 budget calendar
Wed/Jan. 13, 2021 CIP Requests due to Finance
Fri/Jan. 29, 2021 Personnel forms due to Human Resources
Fri/Jan. 29, 2021 Final insurance costs due
Mon/Feb. 8, 2021 Distribution of budget training manual and fee schedule
requests to departments
Mon/Feb. 22, 2021 Departmental budget requests for operating & capital due to
Finance and fee schedule requests due to Assistant County
Manager
Mon/Mar. 1, 2021* Board of County Commissioners Annual Retreat
Wed-Fri/Mar. 10-12, 2021 Departmental budget presentations with County Manager
Tues-Fri/Mar 16-19, 2021
Mon/April 5, 2021* FY22 CIP presented to Board of Commissioners
Mon/April 19, 2021* Adoption of FY22 CIP
Mon/ May 17, 2021* County Manager presents recommended budget to Board of
County Commissioners
Mon/June 7, 2021* Board of Commissioners holds Public Hearing on
recommended budget
Tues-Fri/June 8-18, 2021 Potential BOCC Budget work sessions
(specific dates/times to be scheduled)
Mon/June 21, 2021* Adoption of FY22 Annual Budget Ordinance
Thurs/July 1, 2021 FY22 budget available in accounting system
Fri/Aug. 13, 2021 Adopted budget document finalized and available online
* denotes a Board of Commissioners meeting date.
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VOTING DELEGATE DESIGNATION FOR THE NC ASSOCIATION OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS LEGISLATIVE GOALS CONFERENCE:
County Manager, Heidi York stated voting credentials for NC Association of
County Commissioners Legislative Goals Conference which will be held virtually January
14-15, 2021 is due by January 11, 2021. Ms. York noted each county will be entitled to
vote on legislative goal proposal submissions brought before the membership.
Ms. York asked the Board to designate a Commissioner to attend the virtual
Legislative Goals Conference as Person County’s voting delegate. An alternative voting
delegate may be assigned if deemed appropriate.
Commissioner Sims volunteer to represent Person County at the virtual conference.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to designate
Commissioner Sims as Person County voting delegate and Commissioner Gentry as the
alternate.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Chairman Powell reported that Cardinal Innovations will be appropriating $30b in
its catchment area to assist in placement of children in foster care including a response
within 72 hours. He said Person County’s funding is projected at $700k over a two-year
period.
COMMISSIONER REPORT/COMMENTS:
Commissioner Puryear welcomed new commissioners to the Board noting he was
looking forward to working with them.
Commissioner Sims stated he was looking forward to working with the Board the
next four years.
Commissioner Palmer said he was looking forward to helping the county; he said
he would be retiring in February 2021 and would have more time to dedicate.
Commissioner Gentry said they would be doing good things together.
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RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to recess the meeting
at 8:52pm until 9:00am on December 15, 2020. The recessed meeting will reconvene in
the County Office Building Auditorium.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Gordon Powell
Clerk to the Board Chairman