05-05-2025 Meeting Minutes BOC
May 5, 2025
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 5, 2025
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
Jason Thomas Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Sherry Wilborn T.C. Morphis, Jr., County Attorney
Antoinetta Royster
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
Regular session on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.in the Person County Office
Building Auditorium located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC.
Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order and recognized a quorum was present.
Vice-Chairman Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Royster led the group in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Puryear stated that he received a phone call and an email from
Commissioner Ellixson earlier today and Ellixson asked him to read the following
statement:
To the Citizens of Person County,
After careful thought and prayer, I am submitting my resignation as County Commissioner
of Person County, effective 5/5/25.
This decision comes from a place of humility, transparency, and integrity—values I have
strived to uphold throughout my time in office. I believe that stepping aside at this time is
in the best interest of our county. We are a strong and proud community, but like many
others, we face divisions that hinder our collective progress. I hope this decision will serve
as a step toward bringing us back together, fostering unity over division.
My commitment to Person County has never wavered, and I remain confident in the future
of our county. I trust the Person County Republican Party to nominate a leader of strong
character and vision—someone who will continue to serve with dedication and uphold the
values that matter most to our citizens.
I am deeply thankful for the support and trust I received during my campaign and
throughout my time as commissioner. It has been an honor to serve you, to listen to your
concerns, and to advocate for the needs of our community.
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With sincere gratitude and hope for the future,
Tracy Ellixson
Former County Commissioner, Person County
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to declare a vacancy
on the Person County Board of County Commissioners.
Chairman Puryear announced and declared that there is a vacancy on the Person
County Board of Commissioners.
Chairman Puryear stated that there is no a longer a need for Item 4A. Unfinished
Business related to the Qualifications for Serving on the Board of County Commissioners.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve the
agenda.
CIVICS ACADEMY GRADUATION
Public Information Officer Kim Strickland presented certificates to the fifteen
County residents that participated in the first inaugural Person County Civics Academy. She
stated that it was an honor to recognize these individuals who volunteered their time over
the past eight weeks to learn about how Person County Government services are provided.
She expressed thanks to the Board for supporting the program and to the participants. She
stated that there will be another academy in the fall.
CLERKS TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ WEEK
PROCLAMATION
Chairman Puryear read a Proclamation Recognizing Clerks to the Boards of
County Commissioners’ Week and presented the Proclamation to the Clerk to the Board,
Michele Solomon.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to adopt a
Proclamation Recognizing Clerks to the Boards of County Commissioner’s Week.
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May 5, 2025
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QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING:
SUP-01-25- A REQUEST BY THE APPLICANT TIMMONS GROUP FOR
SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL ON A 23+ ACRE LOT LOCATED AT 3722
WOODSDALE RD., TAX MAP A57 81 AND A57 82
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that there has been a request for a
continuance. He stated that before the Board considers whether to grant a continuance, they
first should discuss potential conflicts of interest to which a Board member may need to
recuse oneself. He explained the process, and advised that any such Board member would
need to recuse themselves if it could affect the due process rights of either party, the
applicant or any other parties in this matter. He stated that if a Board member has made up
their mind in advance such that it cannot be changed by the evidence presented during the
hearing, they should recuse themselves. He stated that if any Board member has had ex-
parte communications that could affect the hearing and they are not able to disclose them
tonight, they should recuse themselves. He stated that if any Board member has had close
business, personal, financial or associational relationships with the applicant, they should
recuse themselves. Chairman Puryear called on each Commissioner to declare if there is a
conflict of interest prior to moving forward. Chairman Puryear, Vice-Chairman Thomas,
and Commissioner Royster all declared no conflicts of interest. Commissioner Wilborn
disclosed that the developer was a previous client of hers, on a similar project, of a similar
scope, in the same vicinity. She stated that when she learned that they had applied for the
Special Use Permit back in January, she reached out to Morphis and disclosed all her past
communications and knowledge of the project. She stated that Morphis recommended that
she recuse herself. Morphis stated that he strongly recommends that that there be no
communication between Board members who will be considering this Special Use Permit
and the public, as it could be very challenging to have an impartial decision. Wilborn
stepped away from the table as she recused herself for this quasi-judicial hearing. Morphis
stated that he received a request late today asking for a continuance from an attorney who
anticipates that they will be representing the applicant. He stated that there is a due process
right for both applicants and any other parties in the case to be able to consult with legal
counsel. He stated that in these kinds of situations, he recommends that a continuance be
granted, with a date certain, therefore it is announced in open session and would not have
to be readvertised. He stated that it is his intention to speak with the attorneys who are
involved, both for the applicant and those that are opposed, to understand how extensive
this hearing can be, as it may need more time to provide evidence and witness testimony.
He stated based on what is received, a special called meeting may need to be scheduled.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 3-0 to table the
Quasi-Judicial Hearing for SUP-01-25 to the June 2, 2025 meeting.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised all that the public comment time is not
the time to speak on the Special Use Permit that was on the agenda nor is it intended to
present any evidence related to this item. He advised all speakers signed up, that if it was
their intention, to please hold those comments until the public hearing.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Anita Charnekar of 194 Moss Creek Drive, Roxboro expressed concerns related to
advisory boards and committees. She stated that she has 40 years’ experience working
with adults with disabilities, and has a Master’s Degree. She stated that that she has
applied for the Adult Care Home Board and has not heard anything from anyone. She
stated that the Board needs to consider all applicants that apply to serve on the advisory
boards and committees.
Kendra Coggins of 256 Tanglewood Circle, Roxboro stated she wanted to lift up
the names of the people that have passed away in one of the two lakes in Person County as
we approach Memorial Day. She stated one name in particular, Aviyon Partridge. She
stated that she had the honor to participate in the Civics Academy and is pleased to be
living in a county where people care so much, and where the employees hold themselves
to such a high standard. She stated that this is a wonderful county. She asked the Board to
fund and invest in the people. She stated that the library needed funding as well as the
Centennial Park. She encouraged the public to get involved and help with the completion
of the park. She stated that she is on the Friends of the Park Board.
John Seepe of 277 Barefoot Landing, Semora stated as a Republican, not just by
registration, but by the tenants of integrity, accountability, and fairness, he is ashamed to
stand here unable to support the Board. He stated that the handling of the PCBIC Project
Log over in Woodsdale has gone on for a year and a half. He stated that there is a mat that
has been laid down, half rolled-up, and abandoned. He stated that the Board has failed to
provide the proper oversight with the public. He stated that there was an agreement
between the Board and PCBIC, and residents, constituents, and taxpayers do not know the
status of that agreement. He stated that the project was abandoned and has left eroded soil
and debris. He stated that he hopes the Board would begin to restore some confidence
among residents and constituents by handling all citizens and applicants fairly and
equitably.
Jimmie Whitfield of 699 Charlie Reade Road, Timberlake stated he had concerns
related to economic development. He stated that Person County has had some wins, to
include, Polywood and CertainTeed. He stated that he was on the start-up team at
CertainTeed, and worked there for two years.
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Whitfield stated that it was a pleasure watching all the synthetic gypsum come in
on railroad cars, that is until they got the conveyor belt built at the Hyco Power Plant. He
stated that it was nice to see progress. He stated that the County needs new industry that
will provide many jobs. He stated that a larger tax base will help the County from an
industrial perspective. He stated that the County needed economic development that will
benefit the many and not just the few.
Nina Coggins Williams of 256 Tanglewood Circle, Roxboro stated that Person
County needs a public pool. She stated that a public pool would be fun, and during the
summer you and your family can cool down in the pool.
Jasper King Williams of 256 Tanglewood Circle, Roxboro stated that Person
County has the right to have a public pool. He stated that residents have been asking for
one and it would not only benefit our community, but also benefit health and safety for the
residents.
Sam Lias of 943 Morreene Road, Durham stated that she is the Community
Organizer for Person County with Down Home North Carolina. She stated that Down
Home is a non-partisan organization that works in rural communities to ensure housing,
education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and access to clean air and water are rights
and not just luck. She stated that she resides in Durham. She stated that she has knocked
on hundreds of doors here in Person County and one thing she continues to hear is, Person
County needs a public swimming pool. She stated that Person County deserves a place
where children can learn to swim. She stated that a public pool is not a luxury, that it is an
investment in the health, future, and safety of residents in Person County. She stated that
she is asking the County to keep the splash pad in the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and
consider increasing the Parks and Recreation budget.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. April 21, 2025 Minutes
B. Budget Amendment #20
C. Adult Correction, Probation and Parole Lease Renewal
D. Advancement of Funds for Pre-Issuance Debt Fees for Second Tranche of
Limited Obligation Bonds
E. Audit Contract for Fiscal Year 2025
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NEW BUSINESS:
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ISO BONUS
Emergency Services Director Thomas Schwalenberg stated that the Board of
Commissioners established a process to reward fire departments for their efforts to lower
the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating for the
county’s rural fire districts by awarding a recurring $7,500 from the Fire and Rescue Tax
District Fund for each ISO PPC fire rating point reduction achieved. He stated that
reduced ISO/PPC fire ratings demonstrate an improvement in how well the fire
departments can protect the community and result in savings to county residents on their
homeowner’s insurance. He stated that Timberlake Volunteer Fire-Rescue (TVFR)
recently completed their ISO inspection from the North Carolina Office of the State Fire
Marshal. He stated, as a result of this inspection, TVFR has lowered their ISO/PPC rating
from a 4 to a 3. He stated that the lower the number, the higher the protection
classification. He stated that based on this, TVFR is to receive a $7,500 bonus for
lowering their rating by one point. He stated that a Contract Addendum will be executed
and the bonus will be added to the department’s FY25 Fire and Rescue Tax District Fund
allocation. He stated that a fund balance appropriation from the Fire and Rescue Tax
District Fund will be required to fund the bonus in FY25 and that the current estimated
fund balance is $1.9M. He stated that the modification of the contract will change the
yearly disbursement funds as of March 24, 2025, increasing it from $177,829to $185,329.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to authorize the
contract addendum to award the ISO Bonus to Timberlake Volunteer Fire-Rescue and
authorize the fund balance transfer in the amount of $7,500.
Schwalenberg expressed thanks to the Board for their help and support with The
Wall That Heals and stated that over 11,000 visitors came to visit The Wall That Heals.
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PERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS FY26 BUDGET REQUEST
Person County School Superintendent Dr. Rodney Peterson presented the
following:
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No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation for the
FY26 budget request.
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PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE FY26 BUDGET REQUEST
Interim President of Piedmont Community College Dr. Ken Boham thanked the
Board for their generous support in the past and stated he hopes that will continue. He
introduced CFO/Vice President of Administration, Dr. Reggie Browning, who presented
the following:
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No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation for the
FY26 budget request.
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ANIMAL CONTROL TRANSITION TO ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Animal Services Director Kelli Lewis presented the following:
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A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve the
reunification of Animal Control with the Animal Services Department.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear expressed thanks to the Veterans Council for their work with
The Wall That Heals. He stated that it was very impactful and a lot of volunteers brought
the community together.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey expressed thanks to all participants in the
inaugural Civics Academy, and stated that it was a pleasure getting to meet them, and to
see their enthusiasm for learning about Person County Government. She encouraged
others to apply for the Fall academy. She expressed thanks to the County Commissioners
and County employees that were involved with the academy. She stated in follow-up to
the Proclamation for this week honoring clerks, she would like to acknowledge that Clerk
to the Board Michele Solomon has achieved her NC Certified County Clerk designation,
following completion of coursework with UNC School of Government, and by gaining
experience in the position. She stated that she wanted to publicly acknowledge that
achievement and offer congratulations to Solomon.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Thomas echoed Puryear on the Veterans Council and The Wall
That Heals. He stated that he rode in the escort of The Wall That Heals from Durham to
Roxboro. He stated it was heart-moving to see the crowds lined up to see the escort
coming through the County.
Commissioner Wilborn echoed what Puryear and Thomas said related to the Wall
That Heals and the Veterans Council. She stated that she assisted with assembly of The
Wall. She stated that she attended the Airport Commission meeting and the groundwork
for the runway extension was discussed as well as funding for the terminal. She stated that
she attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners District 8 meeting
and Melinda Hudson, Program Manager at DSS was recognized as the local hero. She
stated that Hudson was presented a gift from the association and was given time to speak,
which was very moving.
Commissioner Royster echoed all other Commissioners related to The Wall That
Heals and the Veterans Council. She stated that it was very moving. She stated that the
Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC will be coming to Person County on Thursday, and
will be at 2545 Surl Mt.Tirzah Road, Timberlake.
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A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to enter into
Closed Session at 7:10 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion to enter into Closed Session 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 Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon,
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch.
Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 7:13 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to return to open
session at 7:22 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 7:23 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman