12-02-2024 Meeting Minutes BOC
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS December 2, 2024
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Gordon Powell Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
C. Derrick Sims Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Kyle W. Puryear T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Attorney
Charlie Palmer
Jason Thomas
Sherry Wilborn
Antoinetta Royster
Tracy Ellixson
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
Regular session on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC.
Chairman Powell called the meeting to order and recognized that Commissioner Palmer
was absent. Chairman Powell offered an invocation and Vice-Chairman Sims led the group
in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Palmer arrived at 5:34 p.m.
PROCLAMATION HONORING DR. BEN TILLETT
Chairman Powell presented a Proclamation honoring Dr. Ben Tillett for his service
on the Person County Board of Health.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2024, NOVEMBER 18, 2024, AND
NOVEMBER 25, 2024
Chairman Powell presented to the Board the minutes of November 13, 2024,
November 18, 2024, and November 25, 2024.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to approve the minutes
of November 13, 2024, November 18, 2024, and November 25, 2024.
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Puryear read a plaque in appreciation of outgoing Commissioner
Charlie Palmer for his four years of service, December 7, 2020 to December 2, 2024.
Commissioner Puryear read a plaque in appreciation of outgoing Commissioner
and Vice-Chairman Derrick Sims for his four years of service, March 9, 2020 to
December 2, 2024, and recognized that Sims was Vice-Chairman from December 6, 2021
to December 2, 2024.
Commissioner Puryear read a plaque in appreciation of outgoing Commissioner
and Chairman Gordon Powell for his eight years of service, December 5, 2016 to
December 2, 2024, and recognized that Powell was Vice-Chairman from December 5,
2016 to December 3, 2018, and Chairman from December 7, 2020 to December 2, 2024.
RECOGNITION OF CHAIRMAN GORDON POWELL PRESENTED WITH THE
ORDER OF THE LONG LEAF PINE
Glenn Powell, son of Chairman Powell, presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine
to Chairman Powell. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest honor bestowed upon
North Carolinians by the Governor, for persons who have made significant contributions
to the State and their communities, through their exemplary service and exceptional
accomplishments.
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. introduced the Honorable Deborah L. Barker,
Clerk of Superior Court.
Ms. Barker administered the Oath of Office to the commissioners-elect, Sherry
Wilborn, Tracy Ellixson, and Antoinetta Royster.
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ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated, as noted in the Board’s Rules of
Procedure, the Board would convene its Organization of the Board. Morphis opened the
floor and called for nominations for Chair of the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Wilborn nominated Commissioner Puryear for Chair of the Board.
There were no other nominations for Chair. Morphis asked for a vote by the Board. The
Board voted unanimously to appoint Commissioner Puryear as Chairman of the Board.
Morphis announced Commissioner Puryear as the Chairman of the Board.
Chairman Kyle Puryear opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Chair of the
Board. Commissioner Ellixson nominated Commissioner Thomas for Vice-Chair of the
Board. There were no other nominations for Vice-Chair. Chairman Puryear asked for a vote
by the Board, and by acclamation announced Commissioner Thomas as Vice-Chairman of
the Board.
APPROVAL OF BONDS FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR, THE REGISTER OF
DEEDS, THE SHERIFF, AND THE TAX ADMINISTRATOR
County Attorney T.C. Morphis stated that every year the Board is required to
approve bonds for certain offices, including the Finance Director, the Register of Deeds,
the Sheriff, and the Tax Administrator. He stated that these bonds are set and required by
statute.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
bonds for the Finance Director, the Register of Deeds, the Sheriff, and the Tax
Administrator.
RECESS:
Chairman Puryear called for a brief recess at 6:05pm.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to recess the
meeting. The meeting reconvened at 6:20pm.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the addition of a personnel discussion to be added to Closed Session #1, per
General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6).
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INFORMAL COMMENTS
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Merilyn Newell, Mayor of the City of Roxboro, extended a welcome and
congratulations to the newly elected commissioners, and congratulated Chairman Puryear
and Vice-Chairman Thomas on their new roles.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Ellixson and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following item:
A. Budget Amendment #11
NEW BUSINESS:
ADFP AGRICULTURAL PLANS GRANT
Soil and Water Director Nancy McCormick presented the following:
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Chairman Puryear asked if enrollment in the program was down, and what avenues
are being taken to get the numbers up. McCormick advised that the enrollment numbers are
down. She stated that one of the reasons for wanting the grant funding is to be able to use it
to develop some new marketing materials to do a direct mailing, in hopes that people who
did not respond previously, will do so. She stated that she will also reach out to those people
who are eligible, those in the PUV (Present-Use Value).
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the grant
application for $8,500 and authorize the County Manager to accept the funds, if awarded
the grant.
HUMAN SERVICES BOARD ORIENTATION
CCR Consultants Sherry Bradsher and Rebecca Troutman presented the following
to the Board for the Human Services Board Orientation, as there are three newly elected
Board members.
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There was no action by the Board as this was the Humans Services Board
Orientation.
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AMERICA 250 NC COMMITTEE
Assistant County Manager Brian Hart stated that in 2026, the United States will be
commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
He stated that America 250 NC, a program of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural
Resources, is partnering with local governments and nonprofits throughout North Carolina
to mark this anniversary. He stated that many NC counties have formed official
committees dedicated to planning and organizing events, projects, and initiatives at the
county level. He stated that having a committee unlocks the opportunity for resources from the
State through the America 250 NC office, most notably a county committee grant or a community
program grant. He stated that the county committee option has a maximum request/grant amount
of $10,000 and restricts eligibility for local government entities or counties with an official county
committee. He stated that the community program option, for which the maximum request amount
is $30,000, considers counties and non-profit organizations as eligible entities. He stated that the
State will provide the committee with an official logo signifying the County’s alignment with the
State in the 250th commemoration. He stated thus far, County management has identified, and
engaged with the following persons and/or organizations about their interest in
participating in the America 250 NC initiative:
Erin Hill, Director of Kirby Cultural Arts Complex
Kim Strickland, Person County Public Information Officer
Von Yeager, Person County Public Library Director
Person County Veterans Council
Person County Museum of History
Person County Tourism Development Authority
Sappony Tribe
He stated that Erin Hill is willing to lead the committee, which will fall under the
umbrella of the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex. He stated that County staff will support the
committee’s efforts and help to identify and recruit a diverse group of people to serve on
the committee.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve a
Resolution Recognizing and Approving the Person County Official America 250 NC
Committee.
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LEASE AND AGENCY AGREEMENT -CHATT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that on August 30, 2024, the County
purchased the Carolina Pride Carwash Headquarters, located on 10.51 acres of land in
Timberlake, for use as Piedmont Community College’s (PCC’s) future Center for Health,
Advanced Technology and Trades (CHATT). She stated that PCC contributed $1,835,000
towards the $7,000,000 purchase price. She stated that given that counties are statutorily
responsible for the provision of educational facilities, the County will rent the facility to
PCC for $1.00 per year. She stated that PCC will contract for the construction and upfit at
the Leased Property as required for the accomplishment of the CHATT Project. She stated
that PCC will also finance the cost of the CHATT Project through a variety of methods,
and while having no obligation to do so, the County may also consider serving as an
additional source of funding.
Commissioner Wilborn stated that she noticed that the agreement did not mention
the restrictive covenants with it being in the PCBIC Industrial Park, and who would be
responsible for the maintenance fees, and making sure that there was compliance. County
Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that is certainly something that the County can discuss
with PCC and incorporate into the final edits of the agreement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the Lease
and Agency Agreement and authorize the Board Chairman to sign, with the addition of
Exhibit A and final edits to include who would be responsible for the maintenance fees.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SCHEDULE OF
MEETINGS FOR 2025
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon stated that NC General Statute 153A-40
requires the Board of Commissioners to hold a regular meeting at least once a month. She
advised the Board that before them is a Resolution Establishing the 2025 Schedule of
Regular Meetings for adoption.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve a
Resolution Adopting the Board of Commissioners Schedule of Meetings for 2025.
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FY 2025-2026 BUDGET CALENDAR
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the FY2025-2026 Budget Calendar.
She stated that staff has developed a budget calendar for the Board’s consideration and
adoption. She stated that it outlines a proposed schedule for the FY2025-2026 budget
process. She highlighted a few dates that are key milestones:
February 18, 2025- The Board of Commissioners Annual Retreat
April 21, 2025- Adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
May 19, 2025-Presentation of the Manager’s Recommended Budget
June 2, 2025- Required Budget Public Hearing
June 16, 2025- Adoption of the FY2025-2026 Budget Ordinance
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to adopt the
FY2025-2026 Budget Calendar.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear expressed thanks to all Board members for his nomination as
Chair. He congratulated newly elected Board members.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey congratulated the newly elected Board members
and also extended a congratulations to Chairman Puryear and Vice-Chairman Thomas on
their new roles. She stated that she looks forward to orienting the newly elected Board
members, and for them to meet County staff and department heads. She stated that the
County Employee Longevity Awards Program is being held at the Homestead on December
4, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Thomas stated that he looks forward to the challenge as Vice-Chair
and congratulated Chairman Puryear on being named Chair of the Board.
Commissioner Wilborn expressed thanks to all and that she looks forward to serving.
Commissioner Royster and Ellixson both had no report.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter in to
closed session at 7:45 p.m.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 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, and 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,
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Person
County Sheriff Jason Wilborn.
Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 7:48 p.m.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 8:17 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 8:19 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman