11-18-2025 Meeting Minutes BOCNovember 18, 2025
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 18, 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
Donald Long
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
Regular session on Tuesday November 18, 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 and recognized a quorum was present.
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 Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-08-25—TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS TO MORE CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF
SUBDIVISIONS AND THE TYPES OF ACCESS NEEDED FOR EACH TYPE
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing that was continued from November 3, 2025, for Petition TA-
08-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Subdivision Regulations to more clearly identify
the types of subdivisions and the types of access needed for each type.
Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
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There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-08-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Subdivision
Regulations to more clearly identify the types of subdivisions and the types of access
needed for each type.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to close the
public hearing for Petition TA-08-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Subdivision
Regulations to more clearly identify the types of subdivisions and the types of access
needed for each type.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-08-25—TEXT
AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS TO MORE
CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF SUBDIVISIONS AND THE TYPES OF
ACCESS NEEDED FOR EACH TYPE
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
ordinance amending the subdivision regulations to identify types and describe access
requirements, and find the amendment reasonable in the public’s interest, and consistent
with the Person County and City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan
because it improves the clarity of the land development regulations.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-09-25- TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING
ORDINANCE TO CREATE SECTION 61 TO CLEARLY ALLOW MULTIPLE
DWELLINGS ON LOTS SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS WITH AMENDMENTS
TO THE PERMITTED USE TABLE AND DEFINITIONS SECTION TO ADD
CLARITY
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing that was continued from November 3, 2025, for Petition TA-
09-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance to create Section 61 to
clearly allow multiple dwellings on lots subject to conditions with amendments to the
permitted use table and definitions section to add clarity.
Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
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There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-09-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance to
create Section 61 to clearly allow multiple dwellings on lots subject to conditions with
amendments to the Permitted Use Table and definitions section to add clarity
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to close the
public hearing for Petition TA-09-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning
Ordinance to create Section 61 to clearly allow multiple dwellings on lots subject to
conditions with amendments to the Permitted Use Table and definitions section to add
clarity.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-09-25- TEXT
AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING ORDINANCE TO CREATE
SECTION 61 TO CLEARLY ALLOW MULTIPLE DWELLINGS ON LOTS
SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS WITH AMENDMENTS TO THE PERMITTED
USE TABLE AND DEFINITIONS SECTION TO ADD CLARITY
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve TA-
09-25 and find the amendment reasonable, in the public’s interest, and consistent with the
Person County and City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan because it
clarifies and documents well established actions.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-12-25-TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING
ORDINANCE APPENDIX B AND C TO CONSOLIDATE USES IN THE
PERMITTED USE TABLE AND ADD NEW DEFINITIONS
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing that was continued from November 3, 2025, for Petition TA-
12-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance Appendix B and C to
consolidate uses in the Permitted Use Table and add new definitions.
Chairman Puryear asked if this was in any way related to solar farms, to which
Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi stated no, that it excludes solar.
Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
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The following individual appeared before the Board to speak in favor of Petition
TA-12-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance Appendix B and C to
consolidate uses in the Permitted Use Table and add new definitions:
Don West of 426 Fieldstone Drive, Burlington stated that he owns property in
Person County that is the General Industrial (GI) Zoning District. He stated that he is in
favor of this Text Amendment change as it relates to adding open storage to the Permitted
User Table in the GI District. He stated that he thinks it is practical and necessary. He
stated that General Industrial areas are designated for high intensities uses including
manufacturing, distribution, and storage, and that allowing outdoor storage simply aligns
the ordinance with how industrial is actually used. He stated that right now, the lack of
explicit permission creates uncertainty for property owners, investors, which slows
development and discourages growth. He stated that Person County is on the brink of
explosive construction activity.
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in opposition
to Petition TA-12-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance Appendix B
and C to consolidate uses in the Permitted Use Table and add new definitions.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to close the
public hearing for Petition TA-12-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning
Ordinance Appendix B and C to consolidate uses in the Permitted Use Table and add new
definitions.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-12-25-TEXT
AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING ORDINANCE APPENDIX B AND
C TO CONSOLIDATE USES IN THE PERMITTED USE TABLE AND ADD
NEW DEFINITIONS
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adopt TA-12-
25 to update the Permitted Use Table and add definitions, and find it consistent with the
Person County and City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan because the
amendments add clarity to the planning regulations, based on staff recommendation and
not the Planning Board’s recommendation.
Commissioner Long stated that he would like to recuse himself from voting on
this item, and was recorded as an affirmative vote, per the Board’s Rules of Procedure, as
he abstained from voting.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-13-25-TEXT AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING
ORDINANCE TO CREATE SECTIONS 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, AND 85 TO DETAIL
REVIEW PROCESSES BY USE FROM THE CURRENT ORDINANCE,
JUNKYARD ORDINANCE, AND MOBILE HOME PARK ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing that was continued from November 3, 2025, for Petition TA-
13-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance to create Sections 80, 81,
82, 83, 84, and 85 to detail review processes by use from the current ordinance, junkyard
ordinance, and mobile home park ordinance.
Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
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There were no individuals appearing before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-13-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning Ordinance to
create Sections 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 to detail review processes by use from the
current ordinance, junkyard ordinance, and mobile home park ordinance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to close the
public hearing for Petition TA-13-25 – Text Amendment to Amend the Planning
Ordinance to create Sections 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 to detail review processes by use
from the current ordinance, junkyard ordinance, and mobile home park ordinance.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-13-25-TEXT
AMENDMENT TO AMEND THE PLANNING ORDINANCE TO CREATE
SECTIONS 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, AND 85 TO DETAIL REVIEW PROCESSES BY
USE FROM THE CURRENT ORDINANCE, JUNKYARD ORDINANCE, AND
MOBILE HOME PARK ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn to approve TA-13-25 to
consolidate two freestanding ordinances into the Planning Ordinance and establish a
Permit Review Section, and find the document reasonable, in the public’s interest, and
consistent with the Person County and City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use
Plan because it clarifies the regulation language.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to
consolidate two freestanding ordinances into the Planning Ordinance and establish a
Permit Review Section, and find the document reasonable, in the public’s interest, and
consistent with the Person County and City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use
Plan because it clarifies the regulation language, and to change the language from “shall”
to “may” under Site-Plan Specifications.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to make informal
comments.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. November 3, 2025 Minutes-Amended to add additional text to reflect letters
received indicating meeting starting at 7:00 p.m.
B. Budget Amendment #9
C. Resolution Amending Review Officers
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NEW BUSINESS:
VAYA HEALTH UPDATE
Vaya Health Regional Director of Community Relations Elliott Clark presented
the following:
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Commissioner Long asked how can we better support Person Family Medical
Center. Clark stated that Vaya does have a contract with Person Family Medical Center.
Commissioner Royster stated that she is an advocate for mental health, intervention,
crisis, and keeping individuals out of the jails. Clark stated that in the past they had what
was referred as ‘Recovery Court”, which was through the judicial system.
PERSON COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL
REPORT
Person County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Julie Maybee
presented the following annual report:
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Chairman Puryear expressed thanks to Maybee and the Tourism Development
Authority (TDA) for all they do for Person County. Vice-Chairman Thomas stated that he
appreciated all the hard work they do and applauds them. Commissioner Wilborn asked if
the TDA does any collaboration with Visit NC, to which Maybee replied yes.
APPOINTMENT AND OATH FOR DEPUTY TAX COLLECTORS
Tax Administrator Russell Jones stated that David Bradsher and Hunter Patterson
have met the requirements to be appointed as Deputy Tax Collectors. He stated that in
order to be a Deputy Tax Collector, you have to complete four courses that are offered
through UNC School of Government or the NC Department of Revenue and have two
years of experience. He stated that Deputy Tax Collectors can help the Tax Collector
with duties of collecting taxes.
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Chairman Puryear administered the following Oath to David Bradsher:
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Chairman Puryear administered the following Oath to Hunter Patterson:
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A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint David
Bradsher and Hunter Patterson as Deputy Tax Collectors for Person County.
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETINGS FOR 2026
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon stated that NC General Statute 153A-40
requires the Board of Commissioners to hold a regular meeting at least once a month. She
advised the Board that before them is a Resolution Establishing the 2026 Schedule of
Regular Meetings for adoption.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
Resolution Adopting the Person County Board of Commissioners Schedule of Regular
Meetings for 2026.
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BUDGET CALENDAR FOR FY2027
Finance Director Tracy Clayton presented the Budget Calendar for FY2027. She
stated that staff has developed a budget calendar for the Board’s consideration and
adoption. She stated that it outlines a proposed schedule for the FY2026-2027 budget
process. She highlighted a few dates that are key milestones:
February 17, 2026- The Board of Commissioners Annual Retreat
April 20, 2026- Adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
May 18, 2026-Presentation of the Manager’s Recommended Budget
June 1, 2026- Required Budget Public Hearing
June 15, 2026- Adoption of the FY2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve the
Budget Calendar for FY2027.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear congratulated Cooperative Extension and all that were
involved with Farm City Week. He stated that it was a major success. He stated that they
had a wonderful breakfast, and it was the largest attendance that he could recall for this
event.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that County offices will be closed next
Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. She wished all a happy Thanksgiving.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chairman Thomas had no report.
Commissioner Wilborn echoed Puryear in reference to Farm City Week. She
stated that she was honored to speak at the Veterans Ceremony. She stated that she
attended the ribbon-cutting event at Piedmont Community College. She congratulated Dr.
Rodney Peterson on being recognized as Superintendent for the State, and stated that she
attended a reception that was held for him last week. She stated that she has noticed that
there have been split votes on the Planning Board, and advised that there is supposed to
be an odd number on that board to prevent that from happening. She wanted to make sure
staff liaisons are aware of tracking attendance so that does not happen.
Commissioner Royster echoed Puryear and Wilborn in reference to Farm City
Week. She stated that the breakfast was held in the area that she grew up in. She
expressed thanks to the community for coming together during a time of crisis, as there
are families in the community experiencing food insecurities. She stated that she attended
a book launch for the Shorty Lawson Museum. She stated that it was great, and that it
resonates. She stated that they had two different tours. She stated that people came from
all across the state. She stated that she wanted to commend Person County Museum of
History for heading this up. She stated that the book, “Shared Crop: Life of a Black
Tenant Farmer During Jim Crow” truly resonates with so many families and encourages
all to go out and tour the museum.
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Commissioner Long stated that he attended the following:
Chamber Breakfast for the Veterans Council
Business After Hours with American Legion Post 138
Farm City Week Breakfast with Cooperative Extension and the Thomas
Family- extended appreciation to the Thomas family on their award and for
their hospitality in hosting the event
Veteran’s Day Observance
Chamber Breakfast with the Sheriff’s Office related to active shooters
Planning Board Meeting on November 13
Long stated that he is pushing for both sides for Project Log at
Woodsdale, to be decided. He stated that five months of pushing this issue
since he has been on this Board is long enough. He stated that the
litigants, on both sides, needs an answer, and they need it now. He stated that
at the September meeting, he voiced his concerns about the upcoming 2026
budget process, which he discussed at the June meeting when the Board
passed the 2025-2026 budget, which they were able to reduce the budget at
that time by an additional penny. He stated that also at the September
meeting, he requested staff to provide a path forward, to reduce the fast-
approaching 2026 budget by 15%, as compared to the current 2025 budget.
He stated that if management sent a strong message to Department Heads in
September to expect an overall general budget reduction in funding for 2026,
that it would prepare departments the time to begin reducing spending now,
in the current fiscal year and provide a "trial & error" time frame for those
reductions. He stated that he realizes a few departments, out of necessity, will
need increased funds for 2026, especially EMS. He stated that we can not pass
another tax increase in 2026 on to our friends, neighbors, and taxpayers. He
stated that generally there are three pathways to fund County Government,
increase the tax base by recruiting a new industry to pay taxes, reduce
spending, and raise taxes. He stated that two months have elapsed and he has
not received meaningful, concrete communication, framework, or general
encouragement, that has been discussed with all Department Heads. He stated
that he has many years of management experience formulating and executing
annual budgets in excess of $60 million from 2002 to 2012. He stated that
ignoring our situation will not make the problem go away, in fact, he suspects
this is how we have come to this point, at this time and place.
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Long stated that he wanted to be perfectly clear, as a Commissioner, he
is working for the taxpayer, and does not intend to vote for a tax increase,
and does not intend to continue down the road of no Industrial Park for Person
County, and wants to attract and recruit new Industry to Person County to
provide good paying jobs for our tax payers. He stated that our past
Commissioners have been supportive of economic development and intends
to stay that course also. He stated that he is appreciative of the leadership of
the Chairman and Commissioners have provided and he stands ready to
"work for the taxpayer". He stated that the Board of Commissioners set the
Vision, Mission and Plan for Person County, and that staff executes the plan.
He stated that he would like to encourage every Commissioner to obtain and
read the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and to become a student of the
fiscal management philosophy of Mr. Collins and Dr. Peter Drucker. He
stated that success is not final, failure is not final, and it is the courage to
continue that counts. He stated that he means business, and is drawing the
line in the sand.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session #1 at 10:22 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)6) for the
purpose to discuss personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: EDC
Executive Committee members: Scott McKinney, Phillip Allen and Merilyn Newell,
County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney
T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Human Resources Director Sonya Carver.
Chairman Puryear called Closed Session #1 to order at 10:28 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:51 a.m.
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Session #2 at 11:51 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion to enter into Closed Session #2 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 Manager Katherine Cathey,
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
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Chairman Puryear called Closed Session #2 to order at 11:52 a.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:58 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chairman Thomas and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 11:58 a.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman