08-07-2023 Closed Session Meeting Minutes BOCAugust 7, 2023, Closed Session #1 Page 1 of 1
Person County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of a Closed Session
DATE: August 7, 2023
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Chairman Powell,
Vice Chairman Sims,
Commissioner Puryear,
Commissioner Palmer, and
Commissioner Thomas
OTHERS PRESENT:
County Manager Katherine Cathey,
Clerk to the Board Brenda Reaves,
County Attorney Ellis Hankins, and
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Sims and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Session
#1 at 7:23pm 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 with the following individuals permitted
to attend: County Attorney Ellis Hankins, County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board
Brenda Reaves and Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch.
Chairman Powell called the Closed Session #1 to order at 7:25pm.
Economic Development Director Brandy Lynch stated the purpose of the Closed Session
#1 was to discuss pursuing legal action on the defaulted COVID Pivot Loans issued in 2020. Ms.
Lynch stated seven loans were issued in 2020 to assist small businesses who experienced a loss of
revenue of 40% or more related to the COVID-19 restrictions. Of the seven loans, one, Serenity
Salon, has paid back its loan in its entirely; another two, Vesuvio’s and Solomon Enterprises are
satisfactorily paying back their loans. Four of the loans issued are currently in default: Great Taxes
and Payroll by Kelly Rogers owes $8,856, Rooted to the Soul by K. Faulk owes $9,635, Evolve to
Life by Laura Winbush owes $4,062 and Winbush Masonary by Keith Winbush owes $4400. Ms.
Lynch said over $26,000 was owed to Person County plus interest and fees.
County Attorney Ellis Hankins stated these loan agreements used public funds and the
period to legally enforce payment was soon expiring. He requested Board consideration to pursue
legal remedies to collect the monies owed to the county.
It was the consensus of the Board for the attorney to pursue legal remedies available to
collect the outstanding loan amounts on behalf of the county.
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear and carried 5-0 to return to open session
at 7:32pm.