03-09-2020 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOCMarch 9, 2020, Closed Session #1 Page 1 of 2
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: March 9, 2020
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Chairman Jeffers,
Commissioner Clayton,
Commissioner Powell, and
Commissioner Sims
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Commissioner Puryear
OTHERS PRESENT:
County Manager, Heidi York,
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, and
County Attorney, Ron Aycock
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Commissioner Clayton and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Session at 10.44am 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, Heidi York,
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, County Attorney, Ron Aycock and Economic Development
Director, Sherry Wilborn. Chairman Jeffers stated the Board would take a 15-minute recess and
reconvene for the Closed Session in the Board usual meeting room 215.
Chairman Jeffers called the Closed Session to order at 10:55am. Commissioner Puryear
was unable to attend the Closed Session.
Economic Development Director, Sherry Wilborn called the Closed Session to update the
Board on a new RFI as well as to discuss possible actions to assist two industries from permanent
closure in Person County.
Ms. Wilborn stated an RFI was released by the state for a 150,000 sq. ft. building with rail
access preferred noting the projections were $35M in equipment investment with a total investment
ranging from $800,000 to $1.2M. This project has been named Project Falcon and would hire 185
employees over 3 years. Ms. Wilborn noted the County did not have an available building in its
inventory however, Boise Cascade has announced publicly its planned closure. Ms. Wilborn added
the RFI could be a fit for the Boise Cascade site however; it was early in the closure process to
discuss its plans for the site. The closure for Boise Cascade will affect 30 employees.
March 9, 2020, Closed Session #1 Page 2 of 2
Ms. Wilborn informed the Board that Capital Power, who contracts with Duke Energy, has
environmental issues with assessed fines by the state. Capital Power will not re-new its contract
with Duke Energy and unless a new buyer was identified, Capital Power will plan for a closure
effective April 1, 2021. Ms. Wilborn noted she has asked Capital Power to send any potential
buyer(s) to discuss with her financial incentives from the County and City to assist in retaining the
jobs of the current 35 employees. She added that Capital Power is the City’s largest water user
noting the loss of revenues projected at $750,000 to $900,000 would affect the City’s ability to
complete the Western Interceptor project.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sims and carried 5-0 to return to open session at
11:07am.