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05-19-2025 Meeting Minutes BOCMay 19, 2025 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 19, 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 19, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building located at 304 S. Morgan Street, Roxboro, NC. Chairman Puryear called the meeting to order. Vice-Chairman Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Wilborn led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to approve the agenda. FOSTER CARE MONTH PROCLAMATION Social Services Director Carlton Paylor read a Proclamation Recognizing May as Foster Care Month. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to adopt a Proclamation Recognizing May as Foster Care Month. May 19, 2025 2 May 19, 2025 3 INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments: Reverend Dr. Matt Bowman of 132 Canterbury Road, Roxboro stated that he is a pastor at Roxboro Presbyterian Church. He stated that he comes before the Board to speak of the need for a public swimming pool in Person County. He stated that a public pool would offer many benefits to the residents of Person County. He stated that in addition to providing a safe place for recreation and swimming, a pool would bring jobs and an economic boost to Person County. He stated that currently he and his wife drive to Chapel Hill every Sunday to take their three-year-old son to swim lessons. He stated that while they are there, they often go out to eat and do their weekly grocery shopping. He stated that is money that could be spent in Person County. He stated that all children, regardless of race or class, should have a safe, inclusive, affordable place to swim. He stated that a public pool would not be just a place for children, it would provide all residents of Person County with a place to cool off, exercise, and develop a sense of community. He asked that the splashpad be kept in the 2027 CIP. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. May 5, 2025 Minutes B. Budget Amendment #21 C. ABC Board Travel Policy D. Hurdle Mills Park Land Donation to the County E. Airport Lease Agreement with Alpha Craft F. Person County Schools Request for Distributions from the NC Education Lottery Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund NEW BUSINESS: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS UPDATE Human Resources Director Sonya Carver expressed thanks to the Board and introduced Mark Browder with Mark III who presented the following: May 19, 2025 4 ________________________________________________________________________ May 19, 2025 5 May 19, 2025 6 May 19, 2025 7 May 19, 2025 8 There were no questions from the Board for Carver or Browder. No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation. May 19, 2025 9 MANAGER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET PRESENTATION North Carolina General Statutes require that on or before June 1 of each year, managers present their recommended budget for the next fiscal year to the Board of Commissioners. County Manager Katherine Cathey provided an overview of the FY 2025-2026 budget through the following presentation. The Board of Commissioners ‘were presented with copies of the budget documentation for review. May 19, 2025 10 May 19, 2025 11 May 19, 2025 12 May 19, 2025 13 May 19, 2025 14 May 19, 2025 15 May 19, 2025 16 May 19, 2025 17 May 19, 2025 18 May 19, 2025 19 May 19, 2025 20 May 19, 2025 21 May 19, 2025 22 May 19, 2025 23 Commissioner Wilborn asked if there was any savings to doing the revaluations more frequently so that there is not so much of a sticker shock. She stated that in the past, the County has evaluated based on where the market is as to whether it was needed at all. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the process for revaluations would go into the same amount of depth and detail, and would reduce the sticker shock. She stated that the change would be more gradual, and there would probably be less to go back and re- evaluate as the tax office would be catching changes in a timelier manner. She stated that she anticipates that there would be additional expenses associated with the revaluation as the County would either need to contract with a reappraisal firm to conduct the revaluations, as well as having to add more staff to be able to keep up with the workload associated with completing a revaluation each year. Wilborn asked that Tax Administrator Russell Jones present to the Board during a work session to discuss projections for new investments and new construction and what the impact may be. She also indicated the desire to change the County’s Organization Chart to replace the wording of “Citizens’ to “Voters”. She stated that it is a helpful reminder to the Board and staff that while citizen input is valued and important, our government model is that the Board of Commissioners are elected representatives of the body of the public and decisions made by the Board should take into consideration what their platforms were when they ran. She stated that it gives more responsibility to the voters to get to know candidates, and what they represent to be able to cast a vision and move forward instead of having things change based on public comment or social media posts. She stated that she thinks that it would give more awareness and gravity to what the roles of the Commissioners are. She stated that she would also like to see “Advisory Boards” included on the Organization Chart. She stated that the Board needs to be more vigilant when appointing people to the advisory boards, making sure that they understand the vision and mission of the Board, as it does not make any sense for efficient government for the County to have its advisory boards in conflict with the Board of Commissioners’ goals. Chairman Puryear asked the Board if their schedules would accommodate the two planned budget work sessions on June 6 and June 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. It was the consensus of the Board to hold the first budget work session on June 6, 2025 at 9:00. a.m. and the second budget work session, if needed, on June 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. May 19, 2025 24 STRATEGIC PLAN QUARTERLY REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey provided an update to the Strategic Plan. She stated that the quarterly report is reporting on progress made through March of 2025. She stated that she highlighted some of the accomplishments during the budget presentation. She stated that she did want to note that within the budget document one of the objectives for GIS in the new fiscal year is to create a tracking platform for the strategic plan. She stated that GIS Director Sallie Vaughan feels like she has the tools to improve the process that the County is currently using and this will enable it to be tracked in real time and available online for the Commissioners and the public to view. Commissioner Wilborn had concerns about a few goals. She stated that Goal 11.1, is to monitor and analyze population growth and demographics changes and structure services to meet changing needs. She stated that she had shared with Cathey a report from Henderson County where they had done an inhouse cost of services analysis. She stated that the person who did that is now working part-time for the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). She stated that she thinks that is valuable for Person County to understand when there is new residential development or existing residential development, and how that will change the cost of services that are being provided, whether it would be an increase to the tax base, or cost money to provide services. She stated that the NCACC may be able to assist with this. Cathey stated that she would look into this. Wilborn mentioned that the Environmental Health Goal was set for four weeks and for the last two quarters it has been six weeks for approvals. She asked Cathey what is causing the delay. Cathey stated that delays are typically related to the weather, and spring rain will often contribute to an increased timeline as well as the number of applications received. She stated that the department is fully staffed in that division and she would obtain more information. Wilborn provided kudos to Inspections for keeping it at seven to ten days. She referenced Goal 3.2, related to the UDO. She stated that it is time for the Board to pick that back up, whether it is through a subcommittee, and she would like that added to the Board’s agenda for the next day meeting, after the budget is adopted. Cathey advised that the interim Planning Director, Margaret Hauth has identified a number of updates that need to be made to the County’s existing ordinances, as there are discrepancies between the General Statutes, and conflicting language between the various ordinances. She stated that Hauth spoke to the Planning Board at their last meeting about initiating some text amendments at the staff level, to be brought before them at their June meeting. She stated that the County is interviewing for a Planning Director, and that she is hopeful that they will identify a permanent person for that position. Chairman Puryear stated that it is essential to have a full-time director in place before the Board tackles the UDO, as there are a lot of moving parts with that plan and he we would like for the Board to get it right. He stated that he agrees with Wilborn on a subcommittee. May 19, 2025 25 PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST PROCESS Assistant County Manager Brian Hart and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Chris Puryear presented the following presentation in follow-up to the April 21, 2025 meeting. May 19, 2025 26 May 19, 2025 27 CIO Puryear stated that there are minimal opportunities for the County to recover costs related to public records request based on General Statutes, unless the requests are overly excessive in requirements for technology resources or require information to be provided in a format that it is not already in. Commissioner Wilborn stated that from the last discussion, staff reports was discussed and the reports do not really reflect what she is trying to get at. She stated that she thinks that the commissioners and staff put this system into place because of what she would call “activist groups” that are trying to weaponize this feature of county government. She stated that the County policy needed to be updated to include being able to charge for clerical and supervisory assistance over four hours. She stated that going forward if the County Attorney could itemize and invoice based on time spent on each request. Puryear stated that that the County may be able to take that information and add it as a note to the request itself for when it does get published to show what the County’s cost was. He stated that while it is not a recoverable cost, it is a cost for that particular request and tie that amount to the request based on that invoice. Wilborn stated that the County could look at waiving that fee if it is a legitimate media outlet as she would not expect them to abuse it. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that her recollection of the previous discussion, is that the County would look at some other policies and try to touch base with Cleveland County, which Hart has tried extensively, and it has just not worked out, to find out how they are charging as she is not aware of other examples of being able to bill at the level that the Cleveland County Clerk had shared at the Essentials class. She stated that the County has looked at some other policies. She stated that in follow-up to the previous conversation, to make the requests public through the portal, within 24 hours of activating that setting to make requests public, a request came in that shared personal information through the portal. She stated that it was briefly online before Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon caught it and notified Puryear. May 19, 2025 28 Cathey stated that there was a discussion about backtracking on that, taking that setting off so the requests do not get published. She stated that even though there is a disclaimer on the portal that says information is public, do not put personal information in the request form, it happened in less than 24 hours. She stated that she does not think the County is at risk because we had that disclaimer in place and it was only briefly available. She expressed thanks to Solomon and Puryear for their quick action on rectifying this situation. She stated that going forward if the County makes the requests public, then staff would need to review each request to hide or redact personal information that is not public record. She stated that there are some logistical things that the County needs to look at, and the system itself is serving a very valuable purpose for staff in terms of managing the requests. She stated that the County will need to look at the way that they are making things publicly accessible or not through this portal, and if there is a need to go back and revisit the policy as far as charging. She stated that the County has not arrived at a place yet where they have a comfort level with setting a certain threshold for charging. County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that if you submit a public records request, the request itself is a matter of public record. He stated that social security numbers, driver’s licenses, credit card numbers are things that would need to be redacted. He stated that NC law is pretty clear about that. Chairman Puryear stated that since County staff is pursuing contact with Cleveland County, that this item be tabled until that information has been received. It was the consensus of the Board to table this item until further information is obtained from Cleveland County. LOBBYING SERVICES AGREEMENT County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that in the agenda packet is a proposal from Checkmate to provide lobbying services. She stated that this would be geared towards seeking funding at the state level to build a new middle school for Person County Schools. She stated that this is to meet demand with development and a growing population. She stated that the proposal is for a lobbying fee of $10K per month that is to be shared between the County and Person County Schools. She stated that there is currently funding available in this budget for the remainder of this fiscal year. She stated that she has included funding within the Governing Body Contracted Services line item in FY26 for $60K to be used for this purpose if approved by the Board. She stated that if the County moves forward with this agreement, then they may benefit from these services in terms of securing funding that can be used for the school system needs. She stated that the County has traditionally lobbied through staff and its elected officials, and that this course of action may come at the cost of other funding priorities. She stated that the County has been successful in getting funding with the help from state-level officials, through state allocations for important initiatives. May 19, 2025 29 Cathey provided the following project examples: Water and sewer needs within the city that benefit the entire county when those improvements are made, Funding for upfit of the PCC CHATT Building, and Funding for the Airport, as the runway extension project is primarily funded through state funds, and will require additional funds to complete the project. She stated that the Board needs to consider that this becomes the top priority in seeking that state funding and that there could potentially be some trade-offs for those other projects. She stated that the lobbyists would advocate for school funding through the needs-based education lottery funding and state appropriations. She stated that there would be routine check-ins with Checkmate and that they would provide updates on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the contract. A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to approve the agreement for Lobbying Services with Checkmate. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear stated that after speaking with the County Attorney, there is a conflict of interest regarding the upcoming Special Use Permit for the site at Woodsdale and that he will be recusing himself from that public hearing. He stated that the County Attorney is in full agreement with this, and they both feel that it is entirely appropriate. County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that this public hearing was tabled until June 2, 2025, however there has been some discussion about possibly having a special called meeting. He stated that he has spoken with the attorneys for the parties who are involved and it is pretty clear that the Board will need to schedule a special called meeting to allow enough time for that hearing, and to also allow time for the Board vacancy to be filled, therefore allowing the new Commissioner to participate, as there are currently two members of the Board that have already recused themselves. He provided an update to the vacant seat. He stated that Mr. Ellixson resigned on May 5, 2025. He stated that on May 8, 2025 by letter, he reached out to Kathryn Lawrence, the chair of the Person County Republican Party, and notified her of the vacancy. He stated that in the letter he asked them to provide their recommendation, if any, in writing to him. He stated that Lawrence has gotten back with him and advised that her group will do that as soon as they are able. He stated that once he is notified, he will let the Board know. He stated that it is his understanding that the Board will be discussing the vacancy with possible action at their June 2, 2025 meeting. Chairman Puryear stated that he thinks it is essential for the Board to move forward and fill the vacancy, especially with the budget being discussed. He stated it is his recommendation that Morphis reach out one more time to Lawrence, and give the Republican Party a one-week deadline to submit a name. He stated that there are some very important issues coming up and the last thing this County needs is a tie vote, therefore it is prudent to expedite that request. May 19, 2025 30 MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chairman Thomas expressed thanks to the County Manager and Finance for putting the budget together and for all their hard work that was put into it. Commissioner Wilborn stated that there were eight from the County that attended the Research Triangle Regional Partnership State of the Region event in Raleigh on May 7, 2025. She stated that it was a great networking opportunity for the County. She stated that she met and had a conversation with Senator Phil Berger. She stated that she attended the Planning Board meeting. She stated that she has been attending the weekly meetings of the Board of E&R, and that they will continue to meet monthly through the end of June. She stated that this past weekend she attended the NC Association of County Commissioners Board meeting, and they provided legislative updates. She stated that there is a proposal to cut funding at the federal level for Medicaid. She stated that they pointed out how significant this is to counties, as NC is one of only eight states that has county- based eligibility. She stated that with eight states affected by this at that level, they recommended to reach out to U.S. Senators Budd and Tillis. She stated that another thing mentioned was that funding for VIPER, which is currently funded through the state, could now be funded through county sales tax. She stated that she has reached out to Representative Ray Jeffers. Commissioner Royster stated that on May 2, 2025 she was honored to participate in the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics. She stated that it was very exciting. She stated that there are quite a few people hurting in our community right now over some recent violent events that happened. She stated that she has received calls and messages related to this. She stated that you cannot put blame on one person in the community when something happens. She stated a young man was killed, and it is not a blame game. She stated that we all have a responsibility to make sure that our communities are safe. She stated that training starts at home, and she understands that every home is not the same. She stated that it is going to take everyone to come together to address the needs and support the community, as we all are here in Person County. She stated that her heart and prayers go out to every family that is hurting, not just from this incident, but also from past incidents. She stated that she prays for this County every day and encourages others to do the same. May 19, 2025 31 A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to enter into Closed Session at 10:45a.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 10:47 a.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to return to open session at 11:15 a.m. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 11:16 a.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman