12-01-2025 Meeting Minutes BOCDecember 1, 2025
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS December 1, 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 Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.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 Royster led the group in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated, as noted in the Board’s Rules of
Procedure, the Board would convene its Organization of the Board. Morphis opened the
floor and called for nominations for Chair of the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Wilborn nominated Commissioner Puryear for Chair of the Board.
There were no other nominations for Chair. Morphis asked for a vote by the Board. The
Board voted unanimously to appoint Commissioner Puryear as Chairman of the Board.
Morphis announced Commissioner Puryear as the Chairman of the Board.
Chairman Puryear opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Chair of the
Board. Commissioner Thomas nominated Commissioner Wilborn for Vice-Chair of the
Board. There were no other nominations for Vice-Chair. Chairman Puryear asked for a
vote by the Board, and by acclamation announced Commissioner Wilborn as Vice-Chair
of the Board.
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APPROVAL OF BONDS FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR, THE REGISTER OF
DEEDS, THE SHERIFF, AND THE TAX ADMINISTRATOR
County Attorney T.C. Morphis stated that every year the Board is required to
approve bonds for certain offices, including the Finance Director, the Register of Deeds,
the Sheriff, and the Tax Administrator. He stated that these bonds are set and required by
statute.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the
bonds for the Finance Director, the Register of Deeds, the Sheriff, and the Tax
Administrator.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
RZ-02-25 – REZONING REQUEST FROM CHRIS AND BRIAN HICKS TO
REZONE 6.62 ACRES IN 6 DIFFERENT PARCELS NEAR THE INTERSECTION
OF JIM THORPE HIGHWAY AND VIRGILINA ROAD FROM RESIDENTIAL
(R) TO HIGHWAY BUSINESS (B-1), TAX MAP AND PARCEL 72-22, 72-43, 72-
44, 72-45, 73-36 & 73-69
A motion was made Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for RZ-02-25 – Rezoning Request from Chris and Brian Hicks
to Rezone 6.62 acres in 6 different parcels near the intersection of Jim Thorpe Highway
and Virgilina Road from Residential (R) to Highway Business (B-1), Tax Map and Parcel
72-22, 72-43, 72-44, 72-45, 73-36 & 73-69.
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. explained that the rezoning request previously
came before the Board as a public hearing in November. He stated that after partial
approval, staff discovered a typographical error in the notice sent to the applicant, which
listed the meeting start time as 7:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. He stated that the applicant
was offered the option to accept the previous approval or request a new public hearing. He
stated that the applicant requested a new public hearing. Morphis advised the Board that it
could approve, deny, or partially approve the request and that the prior decision had no
binding effect.
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Planning and Zoning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
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The applicant, Chris Hicks, explained the history of the parcels, noting they were
originally contiguous before highway construction divided them. He stated that three
residential structures currently exist on the east side parcels. He stated there is no
immediate intent to remove the structures and that potential business uses may adapt
existing buildings.
Trivedi stated that the request is for zoning use only; any future construction would
require additional approvals.
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The following individual appeared before the Board to speak in favor of RZ-02-25
– Rezoning Request from Chris and Brian Hicks to Rezone 6.62 acres in 6 different
parcels near the intersection of Jim Thorpe Highway and Virgilina Road from Residential
(R) to Highway Business (B-1), Tax Map and Parcel 72-22, 72-43, 72-44, 72-45, 73-36 &
73-69:
The applicant and property owner, Chris Hicks of 661 Surl-Mt Tirzah Road,
Timberlake reiterated willingness to work with the community and noted that churches
and cemeteries throughout the county coexist with nearby businesses. He addressed
traffic, access, and environmental concerns, stating that DOT would regulate access and
runoff would not impact the church property.
The following individuals appeared before the Board to speak in opposition to RZ-
02-25 – Rezoning Request from Chris and Brian Hicks to Rezone 6.62 acres in 6 different
parcels near the intersection of Jim Thorpe Highway and Virgilina Road from Residential
(R) to Highway Business (B-1), Tax Map and Parcel 72-22, 72-43, 72-44, 72-45, 73-36 &
73-69:
Reverend Raymond Wooten of 396 Gravitte Road, Roxboro and Pastor of
Providence Baptist Church, expressed opposition to commercial zoning on the east side
near the church and cemetery. His concerns included lack of clarity on future uses, traffic
safety at Providence Church Cemetery Road and NC 49, truck traffic, environmental
contamination risks, and impacts to church property and playground/child safety.
Herman Gentry of 300 Reade Drive, Roxboro and one of the trustees of
Providence Baptist Church, emphasized the church’s historic presence and opposed
commercial zoning on the east side due to access limitations, cemetery traffic, child
safety, and hazardous road conditions.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for RZ-02-25 – Rezoning Request from Chris and Brian Hicks to Rezone 6.62
acres in 6 different parcels near the intersection of Jim Thorpe Highway and Virgilina
Road from Residential (R) to Highway Business (B-1), Tax Map and Parcel 72-22, 72-43,
72-44, 72-45, 73-36 & 73-69.
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CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY RZ-02-25 – REZONING REQUEST
FROM CHRIS AND BRIAN HICKS TO REZONE 6.62 ACRES IN 6 DIFFERENT
PARCELS NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF JIM THORPE HIGHWAY AND
VIRGILINA ROAD FROM RESIDENTIAL (R) TO HIGHWAY BUSINESS(B-1),
TAX MAP AND PARCEL 72-22, 72-43, 72-44, 72-45, 73-36 & 73-69
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn to approve Rezoning/Map
Amendment Application RZ-02-25, for the Hicks rezoning request to rezone the 6.62
acres at the intersection of Virgilina Road and Jim Thorpe Hwy from the R (Residential)
to B1 (Highway Commercial) district, and find it is consistent with the adopted Person
County & City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-1 to
approve B-1 zoning for parcels west of Jim Thorpe Highway only, leaving east-side
parcels unchanged. Vice-Chair Wilborn voted in opposition.
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 Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda with the following items:
A. October 30, 2025 Minutes
B. November 18, 2025 Minutes
C. Budget Amendment #10
D. Person County Public Library Grant Application for Libraries Strengthening
Connections
E. Late Exemption Tax Applications
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NEW BUSINESS:
CASWELL-PERSON COUNTY LINE SURVEY
GIS Director Sallie Vaughn presented the following:
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Vaughn noted that in the completed North Carolina Geodetic Survey, minimal
acreage change (0.28 acres) and emphasized the importance of accurate boundaries for
taxation, zoning, emergency services, and elections. She stated that Caswell County
requested delayed implementation due to staffing constraints.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve the 2025
North Carolina Geodetic Survey report, plats, and surveyed boundary line between Person
County and Caswell County, effective September 12, 2026 to allow coordinated
implementation.
CIG TAX APPEAL FOR EXEMPTION
Tax Administrator Russell Jones stated that the exemption was requested under
NC General Statute 105-278.6. He stated that the exemption was denied by the Person
County Tax Administrator. He stated that the applicant, CIG 48 Barden Ridge LLC did
not meet statutory requirements for low-income housing tax exemption due to rent levels,
organizational deficiencies, and ownership structure inconsistencies.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to deny the request
for Property Tax Exemption per North Carolina General Statute 105-278.6.
STRATEGIC PLAN QUARTERLY REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the first-quarter FY 2026 Strategic
Plan Progress Report. She stated that the quarterly report is for the timeframe of July 1,
2025-Sept. 30, 2025 and it informs the board and the public on progress made towards
achieving the goals of the strategic plan.
There were no questions received from the Board for Cathey. No action was taken
by the Board on this matter.
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QUASI-JUDICIAL PROCESSES TRAINING
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that the purpose of the training on quasi-
judicial hearings, conflicts of interest, standing, evidence standards, the rule of necessity,
and special use permit procedures, is in preparation for upcoming cases and is intended to
support the Board in conducting fair, consistent, and legally defensible quasi-judicial
hearings.
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There were no questions received from the Board for Morphis. No action was
taken by the Board on this matter.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn marked the one-year anniversary of service for herself and
Commissioner Royster. She highlighted economic development achievements, including
Duke Energy investments, tax base growth, strategic planning updates, and regional
collaboration with the first Leadership Summit. She stated that the summit was well
received and plans are in the works for a Housing Summit for January 29, 2026. She
wished the public a happy holiday season.
Commissioner Thomas had no report.
Commissioner Royster reflected on her one year of service, community
engagement, social support efforts, and appreciation for collaboration among county
leaders. She extended holiday well wishes to the public.
Commissioner Long stated that he attended a couple of ribbon-cuttings. He stated
that he attended the Rescue Squad’s Annual Ham & Egg Breakfast, and the Timberlake
Fire and Rescue Department’s Stew. He wished all a Merry Christmas.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Sessions at 7:19 p.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 7:20 p.m.
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CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5) to
establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the
position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and
other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property
by purchase, option, exchange, or lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other
material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract 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
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, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Assistant
County Manager/Human Services Director Brian Hart.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 7:45p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 7:46 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman