06-02-2025 Meeting Minutes BOCJune 2, 2025
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 2, 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, June 2, 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 Wilborn led the group in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that Person County is saddened by the
recent death of a child. She stated that life is a precious gift. She stated that family, friends,
and other individuals who were touched by this young life, including County staff and the
community as a whole, grieve this loss. She stated that each and every day, at all hours of
the day, County staff seeks to assist and protect the vulnerable, children, adults, the blind,
the disabled, and the sick. She stated that dedicated, caring professional employees in Child
Protective Services and throughout county government are committed to ensuring Person
County is a safe and thriving community. She stated that Person County prioritizes public
safety and personal well-being and is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful
community and workplace. She stated that county government is accountable to the
community and values transparency. She stated that county government is bound by the
need to protect confidentiality in many areas of our work. She stated that over the past week,
County leadership has received emails demanding accountability and staff has been targeted
with phone calls, social media posts, and intrusions in restricted areas of the workplace, as
well as on private property. She stated that in response, Person County implores all to act
with integrity and respect, and to ensure public safety and personal well-being. As public
servants, we will continue to work to protect the vulnerable, ensure a safe community and
workplace, share information as appropriate, take ownership of our responsibilities, and be
accountable to the community. She stated that County staff will continue to provide
effective services, and will accept responsibility and take action if any problems are
identified in the ongoing investigation and review of this situation by the NC Department
of Health and Human Services. She stated that this is a difficult situation for all involved,
and it will take time to gain a deeper understanding of what has occurred. Chairman Puryear
stated that he echoed Cathey, and the County wishes to express sympathy to the family.
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DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to approve the
agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
REZONING/MAP AMENDMENT APPLICATION RZ-02-24 FOR RHETSON
COMPANIES TO REZONE A NEWLY CREATED ±3 ACRE SUBJECT
PROPERTY FROM GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (GI) TO HIGHWAY
COMMERCIAL (B1) ZONING DESIGNATION
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-02-24 for
Rhetson Companies to rezone a newly created ±3-acre Subject Property from a G-I
(General Industrial) to B-1 (Highway Commercial) zoning designation.
Interim Planning Director Margaret Hauth presented the following:
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Chairman Puryear had questions related to the Planning Board vote. He stated that
two members of the Planning Board voted in opposition, saying that the application was
incomplete. Hauth stated that with staff turnover in the Planning Department, there was
poor communication going on. She stated that the application was complete and that the
applicant provided all information timely for the Planning Board meeting. She stated all
information is properly before this Board tonight for consideration, as it was also properly
before the Planning Board last month. Commissioner Wilborn asked Hauth if she would
classify this as downzoning. Hauth stated no she would not classify this as downzoning,
based on the Table of Permitted Uses, the list for General Industrial is small, and the list
for B-1 is longer and there is more flexibility.
Greg Stewart, the applicant, with Rhetson Companies, presented the following:
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The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in favor of
Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-02-24 for Rhetson Companies to rezone a
newly created ±3-acre Subject Property from a G-I (General Industrial) to B-1 (Highway
Commercial) zoning designation.
David Newell, owner of said property, stated that he bought this property in the
mid 80’s with the intention of building some warehouses for Collins and Aikman, which
he is glad fell through as the land remains vacant.
Carol Truby of 440 Moss Creek Drive, Roxboro stated that after attending the
Civics Academy, she has a lot more faith and confidence in our county process when it
comes to rezoning and approving different types of businesses that want to build and come
into our county and what they have to go through in order to get approved.
Riana Smith, attorney for applicant, Rhetson Companies, stated that she wanted to
reiterate what was presented and that it is consistent with the County’s land use plan.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to close the duly
advertised public hearing for Rezoning/Map Amendment Application RZ-02-24 for
Rhetson Companies to rezone a newly created ±3-acre Subject Property from a G-I
(General Industrial) to B-1 (Highway Commercial) zoning designation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to approve an
ordinance amending the Official Zoning Map of PersonCounty to rezone the ±3- acre
Subject Property on Boston Road from a G-I (General Industrial) to B-1 (Highway
Commercial) zoning designation as requested by Rhetson Companies, and find it is
consistent with the adopted Person County & City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land
Use Plan guiding principle 2.1: Designate Sufficient Developable Land and Sites to
Support Economic Growth.
PUBLIC HEARING:
FY2025-2026 BUDGET
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2025-2026
Recommended Budget.
There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of the
County Manager’s FY 2025-2026 Recommended Budget.
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The following individual appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of the
County Manager’s FY 2025-2026 Recommended Budget.
Carol Truby of 440 Moss Creek Drive, Roxboro stated that she wanted to express
her opinion on raising taxes and the budget. She stated that if she could see improvements
to her or her family life and the fellow residents of the County, then she would be fine
with paying more to benefit everyone’s quality of life, specifically through water
recreation. She stated that a splashpad would be great and a swimming pool would benefit
a lot of people.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to close the public
hearing for comments relating to the County Manager’s FY 2025-2026 Recommended
Budget.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Kathy Lawrence of 1034 Terry Road, Hurdle Mills stated that she is the chair of
the Person County Republican Party. She expressed thanks to the Board for reaching out
to seek the recommendation for the Commissioner seat vacancy. She stated that they were
given limited time to develop, vet, process, and vote on appropriate candidates for the
vacant seat. She stated that despite the time constraints, they had an excellent response
from those wanting to be considered. She stated that the Person County Republican Party
submitted three viable candidates for consideration, Liz Bradsher, John Byrd, and Jessica
Leezer. She stated that each candidate has unique and valuable insights that would help
the Person County Board of Commissioners function as an efficient, effective, and
transparent manner. She stated that if the Board chooses not to go with the Person County
Republican Party’s recommendation, that they articulate why they did not choose from the
recommended list.
April Short of 362 Gates Run, Timberlake stated that a child passed away in DSS
custody and that it was not handled correctly. She stated that the mother was informed of
her child’s passing by a phone call, which is heartbreaking and unacceptable. She stated
that no parent should receive the devasting news of their child’s death through a cold and
impersonal call, and that it is inhumane. She stated, at minimum, a home visit should have
been conducted by a trained professional, ideally accompanied by a grief counselor, who
could have provided immediate emotional support. She stated that the mother needed
someone to show up in person with care and compassion. She stated that this is not just a
matter of policy, it is a matter of care and dignity.
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Short stated that this tragic incident reveals a deeper systematic issue within DSS
here in Person County, which appears to lack accountability and failure in communication
protocols, as well as a disregard for the emotional well-being of families. She stated that
these are not small oversights, they are critical failings that further traumatized already
vulnerable people. She stated that in that moment of unthinkable grief, the mother needed
presence, and support, someone to show up in person to offer care and compassion. She
stated that DSS lacks empathy and professionalism. She stated that if someone lacks basic
customer service skills, not friendly, not patient or approachable, then they have no
business being in a public-facing role, especially at DSS. She stated that the job requires
more than paperwork and policies, it requires a heart and compassion. She stated that there
needs to be a review of DSS policies and procedures, and that staff needs to be trained.
She urged the Bord to conduct a full review of the department’s internal practices, training
standards, and hiring policies
Shelia Crisp stated that she is the great-grandmother of the deceased child. She
stated that her heart is breaking for her family. She stated that she is trying to be strong for
her grand-daughter and for the children. She stated that the pain is unbearable. She stated
that the Department of Social Services does not see the damage they have done, as they
have moved on to the next file, the next case, the next name. She stated that the family
cannot move on. She stated that her other grandchild needs to come home. She stated that
she has been fully approved by Granville County to care for her. She stated that she has
opened her heart and her home, yet Person County continues to block her from getting her
grandchild. She stated that she does not understand, and that no one has explained it to
her. She stated that her family is hurting, and this system is keeping them apart from her.
She stated that she is just a little girl, that is scared, confused, and grieving the loss of her
baby brother. She stated that what her grandchild needs is stability, love, and to be
surrounded by family. She stated that the mother of the child needs to be able to hold her.
She stated that she is calling on the Commissioners to do what is right to oversee DSS and
return her grandchild to her family.
Briauna Morgan stated that most people will never have to feel this kind of pain,
but asked people to imagine being at work, when your phone rings and on the other end
someone tells you that your baby, your sweet, innocent one-year old son is gone. She
stated no goodbyes, no explanation, just gone, and that you would never be able to see him
again. She stated that her son, Kemari Morgan died while in the custody of Person
County. She stated that she has no answers, and does not know how or why this happened.
She stated that the people who were supposed to protect him, failed him. She stated that
she has to live every day worrying about her daughter, who is two-years old, and was in
the same home when her brother died. She stated that she does not know where she is, and
has not been able to speak with the people who have her. She stated that her grandmother
could provide a safe and stable placement. She stated that this is not just about justice, it is
about a system that tore her family apart in their darkest moments.
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Morgan stated enough is enough, that she is demanding her daughter come home.
She stated that she knows the Commissioners in this county have the power to oversee
DSS, as they govern them and are responsible for their decisions. She asked them to do
what is right and bring her daughter home, so her family can grieve together, heal
together, and be able to survive.
Pamela Lester stated that she is standing here because she is a woman of God, that
she trusts that He is going to make the right decision, and give us the right vison, and the
way that we should go. She stated that they did not come here to fight, they came in a
peaceful manner to let the Board know that they are going to stand and not going to sit
down on this. She stated that they will keep going as high as they need to go, and will not
stop until the babies come home, and they get answers. She stated that it makes no sense.
She asked why were the children taken from the mother, just because she made a mistake,
even though the children were not in her presence at the time of the mistake. She stated
that no one wants to say anything. She stated that it is not time to be quiet. She stated it is
time to let everyone know what happened, as everybody had something to say when they
said she was an unfit mother, and could not have her kids. She stated that the system is not
working, and they put children in homes with no license, because the judge says it is okay.
She stated that the family has support and will be cared for. She stated that they are going
to continue to fight, but not with guns or weapons, but with the Lord and each other, and
go as high as they need to go. She stated that they are going to stand as a family, and the
County needs to give her children back to her tonight.
Rob Yates of 2419 Radrick Lane, Charlotte expressed thanks to the Board for their
time. He stated that he is the Communications Director for the Libertarian Party of NC. He
stated that he has ran for office a few times and has had the opportunity to meet a number
of elected officials. He stated that he reflects on the words of the great Thomas Sowell
who talked about the folly of bureaucrats being the distinction between intent and
outcome, and in this case, he has no reason to question anybody’s intent. He stated that he
is sure they all want the best for everyone in this county, but the outcome is the greatest
tragedy imaginable. He stated that as a parent, he listened to Ms. Morgan speak, and he
cannot even contemplate the crushing weight of the sorrow she must be feeling. He stated
the outcome was the death of a child. He stated that this is an utter failure of the system in
every single way, the worst possible outcome, and that there is nothing worse that could
have happened had that child stayed with his mom. He stated that the Board has the power
and ability to do what is right.
Thomas Hill of 10896 Pioneer Mill Road, Concord stated that he is a peaceful man
with PTSD, and that he would try to stay calm. He stated that we needed to cut to the
chase and get down and cut the “bs” right now. He asked if the Sheriff, or the highest law
enforcement officer was in the room.
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Hill stated that the decent thing to do is come up to this woman and offer her a ride
to go pick up her child, allowing her to hold her baby and grieve, less than that is not
acceptable. He stated that the only thing he could do was to appeal to the Sheriff’s/Law
Enforcement Officer’s conscience. He pleaded for the mother to get her child back. He
stated that the Board does not realize the grace he is showing them tonight, and he knows
that they want to do what is right. He stated that sometimes doing the right thing is the
hardest thing to do in the world. He stated that this is not going to stand and that they will
make the Board famous. He stated that this is not his first rodeo, that he knows how to get
things done. He stated that he would not name the organization, but since they are good
Republicans, give Governor Brian Kemp in Georgia a call and see how they have been
dealing with him. He stated that this is a wake-up call for everybody. He stated that he is
scared of none of them.
Sharrocka Pettiford of 833 Berwyn Avenue, Durham expressed thanks to the
Board for allowing her to speak and recognizing stolen children’s month. She stated that
she wanted to make sure that it is painfully clear for many families in our community,
especially black families, this is not a symbolic observance, it is a live reality, a daily
trauma. She stated that it is a system that continues to take children away from loving
parents under the weight of systematic bias and broken policies. She stated that we are
here today not just for injustice but to demand change starting with bring this child home.
She stated that this child should be home with her mother. She stated that the mother has
done everything asked of her, has shown perseverance and strife in the face of a system
that too often punishes black motherhood. She stated that instead of supporting it, the
child welfare system is not protecting children, it is disappearing them. She stated that
black mothers are bearing the heaviest burden. She stated that this is not about individual
failures, it is about institutional decision. She stated that the Board has the power,
responsibility, and authority to bring her home. She stated that this child does not need to
spend another day without her mother. She stated that they will continue to raise their
voices, not just for her, but for every child and mother that this system has failed.
Amanda Wallace of Durham stated that she is the founder of Operation Stop CPS,
which is based in Durham. She stated that Operation Stop CPS brings issues to light, so
that they cannot be swept under the rug. She stated that what has been done to this family
is unacceptable and inhumane. She stated that Board is the governing board, she watched
the meeting on YouTube when they decided to take control over the Department of Social
Services and do away with the Social Services Board. She asked the Board, what are they
going to do tonight. She stated that this is not just one family’s story; over 200,000
children are separated from their families each year, rights terminated, families
disappeared. She stated that this a problem. She mentioned the family policing system.
She stated that she is here to educate the Board as well as the community about what the
family policing system is. She stated that Carlton Paylor is not protecting children, that he
is separating families, and disappearing them in Person County.
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Wallace stated that she has received pictures of babies with burns in Person
County custody, and families are coming forward telling her what is going on. She stated
that this child should be at home tonight. She asked the Board what are they doing in their
capacity to bring her home. She stated that if they could not answer, publicly, have a
conversation with the mother before leaving tonight.
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. May 19, 2025 Minutes
B. Budget Amendment #22
NEW BUSINESS:
APPOINTMENT OF NEW COMMISSIONER
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. expressed thanks to Kathy Lawrence, who
spoke earlier, for providing the recommended names from the Person County Republican
Party for the vacant Board of Commissioners seat. He stated the names provided were, Liz
Bradsher, John Byrd and Jessica Leezer. He stated that the Board had been provided that
information last Monday. He stated that he appreciated the party meeting the deadline, as
we are in the midst of budget season, and making important decisions for FY 2025-2026.
He asked the Board if there was additional discussion or any additional names to be added
for recommendation. Commissioner Wilborn stated that what the Board is about to do
tonight is not easy, and not an ideal situation that was thrust upon them. She stated that she
is very big on democracy. She stated that in the last meeting, she asked that the Board
adopt a variation of the County’s Organizational Chart that models the School of
Government, where the voters are at the top. She stated and here we are in another
instance of why it is important and to recognize that. She stated that the County has found
themselves in a situation where a person that the voters chose is not able to fulfill the
duties of the office. She stated that it is not efficient to hold an entire election to fill that
one seat, and it is not the way the General Statutes have laid out so that the position can be
filled. She stated that it falls on the Board, the remaining four, that the voters have chosen
to make that appointment. She stated that she thinks that is the most appropriate plan. She
stated the provision in the statute allows the local party to put up a nomination, and she
appreciates them for doing that. She mentioned Derrick Sims, as a possible nomination,
and in speaking with the Chairman, it was the consensus of the Board to not nominate
anyone who ran in the most recent election and was not elected.
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Wilborn stated after she realized that the Board was going to have to fill the seat, it
was important to her that it be someone who has gone through an election cycle as a
candidate, who understands how long that process is, how difficult it is on a person and
their family, how expensive it is, and who has been willing to stick their neck out to
devote the time to serve. She stated that she had three people to speak to her about their
willingness or desire to fill the seat. She stated that of those three people, only one of them
was not in the most recent election and not elected. She stated that this person meets her
personal criteria of having gone through an election cycle as a candidate. She stated that
she has served alongside this person for the last twelve years, and while they have had
their differences, and do not agree on every issue, she believes he loves Person County
and has its best interest at heart, which has been demonstrated by his service over the
years on various boards and civic organizations. She stated that she can attest that he has
been engaged and has paid attention to the needs of Person County, and the desire to see it
prosper. She stated that she wishes to nominate Donald Long to fill the vacant seat on the
Person County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Puryear advised the Board of
Wilborn’s motion and asked for comments from the other Board members. Commissioner
Royster advised that she has worked with Long for several years, and has known him for
many years. She stated while they have not always seen eye to eye on certain issues, she
has witnessed firsthand Long’s leadership and love for Person County. She stated that she
supports the nomination. Vice-Chairman Thomas stated that he has battled with this for a
while because he kind of was there with Sims, as he has seen how hard he has worked for
the County and he felt like Sims had put his whole self into the seat and wanted what was
best for the County. He stated that he also believes the same way about Long. He stated
that he has no doubt that Long is going to give 120% to the seat, and that he would be
respectful and do the job that he knows how to do. He stated that he is in favor of the
motion. Puryear asked Long to approach the Board and asked if he had any comments he
would like to express to the Board. Long stated that he loved Person County and would
like to continue to serve Person County in any way that he could. Puryear stated that he
and Long have a history together, some good, and some not so good. He stated as far as
the negative history, that it is ancient and in the past, and hopes Long feels the same. Long
stated that he feels the same.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to appoint Donald
Long to fill the Republican vacancy on the Board of Commissioners to December 7, 2026.
Chairman Puryear congratulated Long as the new Commissioner designee and
advised that he would be sworn in Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. during the Budget Work
Session. Long stated that he is humbled by the Board’s support.
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OPTIONS FOR NEXT STEPS RELATED TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE (UDO)
Interim Planning Director Margaret Hauth stated that it is her understanding from
the last meeting that the Board had questions and expressed an interest in an update to the
UDO. She stated that she has been reviewing the various planning ordinances since her
arrival in February. She stated that she has found a number of conflicts, cross reference
errors, and state law reference errors. She stated that adoption of the Unified Development
Ordinance would have addressed these issues. She stated that since that action doesn’t
seem to be immediately forthcoming, she would like to pursue some of this clean-up to
keep the county and staff on solid legal footing until the UDO can be revisited. She stated
that this is scheduled for Planning Board discussion for June 12.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear asked County Manager Katherine Cathey if there was a request
to set up a meeting or tele-conference with the victim’s mother. Cathey stated that she
spoke to Amanda Wallace today, and that she suggested a meeting with Briauna Morgan,
who is here tonight. She stated that she advised Wallace that she would be glad to set up a
meeting with Morgan to include DSS Director Carlton Paylor and Assistant County
Manager Brian Hart. Puryear stated he would like to expediate that meeting and he would
like to attend as well as another Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Thomas expressed thanks to all for coming out tonight and giving
their heart to them. He stated that the Board will do everything they can that is within their
limits. He stated that they are praying for the family. He stated that Person County lost a
great giant of a man, Rob Hall, and asked all to remember his family in prayers as they lay
him to rest this week.
Commissioner Royster stated that she empathizes with the family of baby Kemari.
She stated that she does want to make clear the frustration; she has seen the tears and seen,
firsthand, children removed from homes. She stated that she was a former social worker
and it is work that she has done for over 16 years. She stated that the previous Board voted
to oversee DSS. She stated that when children are removed a judge makes that decision
and they cannot overrule a judge’s decision. She encouraged the family to ask questions;
they have that right. She stated that she commends the family’s support system.
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Commissioner Wilborn thanked Royster for her comments, as the member of the
Board with the most training, education, and experience on the subject. She stated that it is
a very difficult subject. She stated that it is a judicial decision. She stated that the Board of
E&R has continued to meet weekly and will do so for the remainder of the month. She
stated that on Friday of last week, North American had an open house and hiring event, as
they are under new ownership, and have new contracts, and desperately need 100 people
to start work.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 4-0 to enter into
Closed Session at 7:19 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion to enter into Closed Session 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 General Statute 143-318(a)(1) to prevent the disclosure of information that is
privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State or of the United States,
or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General
Statutes with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, Assistant County Manager/Consolidated
Human Services Director Brian Hart, Social Services Director Carlton Paylor and County
Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 7:24 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to return to open
session at 8:15 p.m.
RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 4-0 to recess the
meeting at 8:17 p.m. until Friday, June 6, 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.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman