01-05-2026 Meeting Minutes BOCJanuary 5, 2026
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS January 5, 2026
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
Sherry Wilborn Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Jason Thomas 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, January 5, 2026 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.
Commissioner Thomas offered an invocation, and Vice-Chair Wilborn led the group in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the addition of the Human Services Advisory Committee Bylaws Amendment
as Item 10C, as a result, the original Item 10C becomes Item 10D, and the addition of
Closed Session #1 pursuant to NC General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for the purpose of
consulting with the County Attorney to preserve attorney-client privilege in matters
related to Hot Rock Haulers v. Person County, followed by Closed Session #2 pursuant to
NC General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) to discuss personnel.
RESOLUTION HONORING FORMER MAYOR MERILYN NEWELL
Chairman Puryear read and presented a Resolution honoring Former Mayor
Merilyn Newell, the longest-serving Mayor of the City of Roxboro. The Resolution
commended Mayor Newell for her fourteen years of dedicated service, during which she
demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the community. Under
her guidance, Roxboro experienced significant progress in economic development,
infrastructure improvements, and community engagement initiatives. Mayor Newell
championed partnerships that strengthened local businesses, supported educational
opportunities, and enhanced the quality of life for residents. Her vision and tireless efforts
have left an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit Person County and the City of
Roxboro for years to come.
January 5, 2026
2
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to approve a
Resolution honoring Former Mayor Merilyn Newell.
Chairman Puryear and the Commissioners extended their appreciation and best
wishes to Newell, who expressed gratitude for the recognition, collaboration, and shared
achievements.
January 5, 2026
3
January 5, 2026
4
PRESENTATION TO THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Vice-Chair Wilborn presented the original groundbreaking shovel from GKN
Automotive to Carrie Currie, Curator, Person County Museum of History, for inclusion in
an upcoming existing industry exhibit. The shovel commemorates site groundbreaking
(1993) and expansion (July 24, 2012).
Currie thanked the Board and announced the following:
The Museum will host a Smithsonian exhibit: “Spark! Places of
Innovation”, January 21–February 21, 2026.
A companion exhibit highlighting local innovation in Roxboro and
Person County.
Business After Hours: February 5, 2026.
Currie advised the Board that notice will be provided when the shovel is
installed.
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING:
SUP-04-25 A REQUEST FROM PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP
CORPORATION TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE
EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING SUBSTATION ON 8.25 ACRES AT 1037 BOWEN
ROAD TAX MAP AND PARCEL A87 69
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. explained quasi-judicial procedures: burden of
proof on applicant; competent, material, and substantial evidence required; sworn
testimony; and conflict-of-interest check, to which none were declared.
A motion was made Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for SUP-04-25 – A Request from Piedmont Electric
Membership Corporation.to approve a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of an
existing substation on 8.25 acres at 1037 Bowen Road, Tax Map and Parcel A87 69.
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon administered the Oath of Sworn Testimony
to the following individuals who offered testimony during the quasi-judicial hearing:
Nish Trivedi, Jay Jennings, and Alex Tilley.
January 5, 2026
5
Soung Delores Hong with P.E. Booth and Associates, and Jordan Overbee with
Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation were administered the Oath of Sworn
Testimony, as they may be called upon to answer questions from the Board.
Planner Jay Jennings shared the following presentation for SUP-04-25 – A Request
from Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation.to approve a Special Use Permit to
allow the expansion of an existing substation on 8.25 acres at 1037 Bowen Road, Tax Map
and Parcel A87 69.
January 5, 2026
6
Mr. Jennings presented Exhibit A: Aerial Photo
Mr. Jennings presented Exhibit B: Future Land Use Map
January 5, 2026
7
Mr. Jennings presented Exhibit C: Zoning Map showing that the property is in a
Residential Zoning District; therefore, requiring a Special Use Permit Application.
January 5, 2026
8
Mr. Jennings presented Exhibit D the Site Plan required for the Special Use Permit
application. He stated that the proposed expansion would cover approximately 150 feet by
150 feet east of the existing yard, with 20-foot natural buffers maintained along the north
and south property lines. Access will use the existing drive with an added spur under the
powerline right-of-way. The project will meet Falls Lake Watershed stormwater
requirements through Stormwater Control Measures, pervious pavement, and a stormwater
easement to the County for inspection and maintenance.
January 5, 2026
9
Special Use Permit Application received from applicant for Special Use Permit
January 5, 2026
10
January 5, 2026
11
There were no questions from the Board for Mr. Jennings nor the applicant, and
property owner.
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of
during the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-25 – A Request from Piedmont Electric
Membership Corporation.to approve a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of an
existing substation on 8.25 acres at 1037 Bowen Road, Tax Map and Parcel A87 69.
The following individual appeared before the Board to speak in opposition of
during the quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-25 – A Request from Piedmont Electric
Membership Corporation.to approve a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of an
existing substation on 8.25 acres at 1037 Bowen Road, Tax Map and Parcel A87 69.
Alex Tilley of 701 Bowen Road, Rougemont testified that that he is in opposition
to the expansion of the substation. He stated that his property is 200 yards from the current
substation, He expressed concerns about the broader impacts of transmission lines and
questioned alignment with rural residential land-use goals, urging holistic review of
impacts.
January 5, 2026
12
Jordan Overbee, President and General Manager of Piedmont Electric Membership
Corporation, testified that the transmission line is not part of this permit request in
response to Mr. Tilley’s comments.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to close the
quasi-judicial hearing for SUP-04-25 – A Request from Piedmont Electric Membership
Corporation.to approve a Special Use Permit to allow the expansion of an existing
substation on 8.25 acres at 1037 Bowen Road, Tax Map and Parcel A87 69.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY SUP-04-25 A REQUEST FROM
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION TO APPROVE A
SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING
SUBSTATION ON 8.25 ACRES AT 1037 BOWEN ROAD TAX MAP AND PARCEL
A87 69
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve SUP-04-25
Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation Substation expansion with staff conditions,
finding the request consistent with the Person County–City of Roxboro Joint
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, specifically Guiding Principle 2, facilitating sustainable
economic growth and 2.7, provide utility infrastructure to support economic growth, and
that it meets the four findings of fact.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETETITION PB-11-25-PLANNING BOARD RULES AND PROCEDURES
AMENDMENT TO STREAMLINEAGENDA PREPARATION, REMOVE
DUPLICATION OF PLANNING ORDINANCE CONTENT, AND CLARIFY
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES SUCH AS VOTING, MEETING CONDUCT, AND
AGENDA MANAGEMENT
A motion was made Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition PB-11-25 – Planning Board Rules and Procedures
Amendment to streamline agenda preparation, remove duplication of Planning Ordinance
content, and clarify operational procedures such as voting, meeting conduct, and agenda
management.
January 5, 2026
13
Planning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
January 5, 2026
14
January 5, 2026
15
January 5, 2026
16
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition PB-11-25 – Planning Board Rules and Procedures Amendment to
streamline agenda preparation, remove duplication of Planning Ordinance content, and
clarify operational procedures such as voting, meeting conduct, and agenda management.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition PB-11-25 – Planning Board Rules and Procedures Amendment to
streamline agenda preparation, remove duplication of Planning Ordinance content, and
clarify operational procedures such as voting, meeting conduct, and agenda management.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETETITION PB-11-25-PLANNING
BOARD RULES AND PROCEDURES AMENDMENT TO STREAMLINE
AGENDA PREPARATION, REMOVE DUPLICATION OF PLANNING
ORDINANCE CONTENT, AND CLARIFY OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES SUCH
AS VOTING, MEETING CONDUCT, AND AGENDA MANAGEMENT
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed concerns for uniform public experience across
boards, reliance on Open Meetings Law where applicable, not imposing a strict meeting
end-time that could delay applications, and ensuring Commission review after Planning
Board consideration regardless of Planning Board vote outcome.
Commissioner Long opposed language requiring site plans by a professional
surveyor/engineer/architect, noting prior Board direction to use “may” instead of “shall”
for professional preparation to avoid unnecessary expense.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to deny Petition
PB-11-25 Planning Board Rules and Procedures Amendment to streamline agenda
preparation, remove duplication of Planning Ordinance content, and clarify operational
procedures such as voting, meeting conduct, and agenda management.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-15-25 VARIANCE REGULATIONS UPDATE TO SIMPLIFY THE
VARIANCE PROCESS, ELIMINATE REDUNDANT LANGUAGE, AND CLARIFY
THE STANDARDS OF REVIEW, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NCGS 160D-705
A motion was made Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition TA-15-25 – Variance Regulations Update to
simplify the variance process, eliminate redundant language, and clarify the standards of
review, in accordance with NCGS 160D-705.
January 5, 2026
17
Planning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
January 5, 2026
18
January 5, 2026
19
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. affirmed necessity to align standards with state
statute. The Board discussed permit expiration timelines and Trivedi clarified related
items would be addressed in a subsequent text amendment.
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-15-25 – Variance Regulations Update to simplify the
variance process, eliminate redundant language, and clarify the standards of review, in
accordance with NCGS 160D-705.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition TA-15-25 – Variance Regulations Update to simplify the variance
process, eliminate redundant language, and clarify the standards of review, in accordance
with NCGS 160D-705.
January 5, 2026
20
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-15-25 VARIANCE
REGULATIONS UPDATE TO SIMPLIFY THE VARIANCE PROCESS,
ELIMINATE REDUNDANT LANGUAGE, AND CLARIFY THE STANDARDS OF
REVIEW, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NCGS 160D-705
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve TA-15-
25 to simplify Section 157 Variance Standards 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.
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-16-25 REMOVAL OF REAPPLICATION WAITING PERIOD TO
REMOVE UNNECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS, ALLOWING
APPLICANTS TO REAPPLY WITHOUT DELAY WHEN APPROPRIATE,
PROMOTING FLEXIBILITY AND EQUITABLE REVIEW
A motion was made Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition TA-16-25 – Removal of Reapplication Waiting
Period to remove unnecessary administrative barriers, allowing applicants to reapply
without delay when appropriate, promoting flexibility and equitable review.
Planning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
January 5, 2026
21
January 5, 2026
22
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-16-25 – Removal of Reapplication Waiting Period to remove
unnecessary administrative barriers, allowing applicants to reapply without delay when
appropriate, promoting flexibility and equitable review.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition TA-16-25 – Removal of Reapplication Waiting Period to remove
unnecessary administrative barriers, allowing applicants to reapply without delay when
appropriate, promoting flexibility and equitable review.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-16-25 REMOVAL OF
REAPPLICATION WAITING PERIOD TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY
ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS, ALLOWING APPLICANTS TO REAPPLY
WITHOUT DELAY WHEN APPROPRIATE, PROMOTING FLEXIBILITY AND
EQUITABLE REVIEW
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve TA-
16-25 to simplify Section 150-2 to remove waiting period for reapplications 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 aligns with NC General Statute 160D.
January 5, 2026
23
PUBLIC HEARING:
PETITION TA-18-25 ORDINANCE CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION
TO AMENDMENT TO CONSOLIDATE APPENDIX A (INTERPRETATIONS OF
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS), APPENDIX B (DEFINITIONS), APPENDIX C
(PERMITTED USE TABLE), AND THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS INTO
THE MAIN BODY OF THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to open the duly
advertised public hearing for Petition TA-18-25 – Ordinance Consolidation and
Reorganization to amendment, consolidates Appendix A (Interpretations of Terms and
Definitions), Appendix B (Definitions), Appendix C Permitted Use Table), and the
Subdivision Regulations into the main body of the Planning Ordinance.
Planning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
January 5, 2026
24
January 5, 2026
25
January 5, 2026
26
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition to Petition TA-18-25 – Ordinance Consolidation and Reorganization to
amendment, consolidates Appendix A (Interpretations of Terms and Definitions),
Appendix B (Definitions), Appendix C Permitted Use Table), and the Subdivision
Regulations into the main body of the Planning Ordinance.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to close the public
hearing for Petition TA-18-25 – Ordinance Consolidation and Reorganization to
amendment, consolidates Appendix A (Interpretations of Terms and Definitions),
Appendix B (Definitions), Appendix C Permitted Use Table), and the Subdivision
Regulations into the main body of the Planning Ordinance.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY PETITION TA-18-25 ORDINANCE
CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION TO AMENDMENT TO
CONSOLIDATE APPENDIX A (INTERPRETATIONS OF TERMS AND
DEFINITIONS), APPENDIX B (DEFINITIONS), APPENDIX C (PERMITTED USE
TABLE), AND THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS INTO THE MAIN BODY OF
THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 4-1 to approve TA-18-
25 to consolidate the Planning Ordinance 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.
Commissioner Long voted in opposition.
January 5, 2026
27
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments.
Jada Garnett of 711 Leasburg Road, Lot 15, Roxboro spoke about personal
experiences while in Person County DSS custody. She stated she entered DSS custody at
age 5 and aged out at 18 in August 2025 while hospitalized; stated she was discharged
from the hospital at midnight on her birthday without support. She alleged repeated abuse
in multiple foster homes, including physical restraint, forced medication, and physical
assaults (e.g., being choked, dragged by hair, and witnessing abuse of her sister with
Down syndrome). She reported periods of inadequate supervision and lack of food in later
placements, leading her to seek food and shelter outside the home; disclosed being
kidnapped and later trafficked while in foster care. She expressed frustration that concerns
raised to DSS staff were ignored; stated her social worker provided $100 upon aging out
and told her to “figure it out.” She requested assistance from the Board in obtaining
documentation related to victim-of-trafficking resources and questioned why her social
worker remains employed.
Amanda Wallace, Founder, Operation Stop CPS of Durham, stated that Kemari
Morgan died in foster care under County supervision and alleged the child was poisoned;
stated the mother was not informed of the cause of death for seven months. She criticized
the County for lack of transparency and accountability, noting that the foster parent was
arrested but systemic issues remain unresolved. She stated that Person County continues to
remove children unnecessarily and profit from foster placements. She requested that the
Board ensure resources owed to Jada Garnett are provided; stated she had contacted DSS
and was told the social worker remains employed. She reported a pending public records
request for DSS case files submitted over six months ago; requested expedited
compliance. She questioned why historical materials referencing the sale of enslaved
individuals were displayed near a “Welcome to Person County” sign, suggesting systemic
inequities persist. She urged the Board to “do better” and stated skepticism that
improvements will occur without community pressure.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. December 1, 2025, Minutes
B. 2026 Commissioner Committee Assignments
C. Budget Amendment # 11
D. EDC Bylaws Amendment
E. ES&S EVS 6300 Certified Voting System
January 5, 2026
28
NEW BUSINESS:
CHIEF’S ASSOCIATION MID-YEAR FUNDING REQUEST
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the Fire & Rescue Services District
Fund Balance (unaudited) is estimated at $1.8M (FY25 end). She stated that the Chiefs
Association procedures recommend maintaining $1.0M minimum balance. She stated that
the request is $85,000 per department; total $765,000 one-time allocation from fund
balance. She stated that the FY26 tax rate is 4¢ (slightly above revenue neutral), and there
will likely be slower fund balance growth as personnel expenses ramp up.
Commissioner Royster and Commissioner Long both expressed thanks and
appreciation to all the VFD’s for what they do for the community.
Chiefs Association President Gabe Windham spoke on increases on insurance and
equipment and indicated everything is constantly rising.
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she likes how this was presented with the
signatures of each of the fire departments to make sure that everybody understands this
part of the request.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve the mid-
year funding request in the amount of $765,000.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that at the Board’s direction, she did
research on transitioning the Economic Development Commission (EDC) from an
advisory board to a public authority employing staff. She provided models from Wilson
County (EDC + nonprofit), Union County (former joint EDC dissolved; city/county
departments), Gaston County (mixed employment). She stated that LGERS (Local
Governmental Employees’ Retirement System) membership requires Board of Trustees
approval (preferred April 30 meeting for July 1 effective date), employee vote, EDC
Board resolution, and a surety reserve (estimated 1–2 years’ salary) to cover potential
unfunded liabilities. She stated that public authority must comply with Local Government
Fiscal Control Act (own auditor/finance officer, policies, admin costs).
January 5, 2026
29
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 4-1 to direct the County
Manager to request the LGERS application packet, and return with timeline, requirements,
and financial implications at the next regular meeting.
Commissioner Royster voted in opposition.
HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE AMENDED BYLAWS
Assistant Manager/Consolidated Human Services Director Brian Hart presented
the following proposed amendments to the bylaws for the Human Services Advisory
Committee:
Law enforcement seat may be from Sheriff’s Office or Roxboro Police
Department.
Membership revised to three (3) General Public seats (rather than two public + one
past service recipient).
Terms: Four-year terms, with initial staggering (some appointed to two-year terms
to establish continuity).
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
amended bylaws for the Human Services Advisory Committee.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented to the Board interested citizen
applications for consideration for appointment to boards and committees and requested the
Board to nominate for appointment as deemed appropriate.
Agricultural Advisory Board
2-Year Initial Term; 4-Year Reappointment
2 positions available
The following application was received:
Bruce Whitfield requests reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to reappoint Bruce
Whitfield to the Agricultural Advisory Board for a 4-year term.
January 5, 2026
30
Airport Commission
3-Year Term: 1 position available for a Citizen-at-Large with interest in aviation, and 1
position available for a Licensed Pilot
The following applications were received:
Kirk Adams requests appointment- Licensed Pilot
Zakiya James requests appointment-Citizen-at-Large
Jeffrey Smith requests appointment-Citizen-at-Large
Michael Smith requests appointment-Citizen-at-Large
Dusty Wall request reappointment-Citizen-at-Large
Steven Watkins requests reappointment- Licensed Pilot
A motion was made by Vice Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Dusty
Wall to the Airport Commissioner representing a citizen-at-large for a 3-year term.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Steven
Watkins to the Airport Commission as a licensed pilot for a 3- year term.
Board of Adjustment
3-Year Term: 1 position available
The following application was received:
Cynthia Lynch requests reappointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-1 to reappoint
Cynthia Lynch to the Board of Adjustment for a 3-year term. Vice-Chair Wilborn voted in
opposition.
Human Services Advisory Committee
1 position available for each of the following: a Representative from the Person County
Sheriff’s Office, A Representative from the Person County Health Department, a
Guardian-ad-Litem, a Past-Service Recipient, and a Representative from the Person
Veterans Council, and 2 positions for the following: Citizen-at-Large
The following applications were received for Citizen-at-Large:
John Byrd, Sr. requests appointment
Treco Lea-Jeffers requests appointment
Sandy Parker requests appointment
Kenneth Perry requests appointment
January 5, 2026
31
Eric Turley requests appointment
Gerald Wallace requests appointment
Mia Winstead requests appointment
The following applications were received for each of the following:
Guardian-ad-Litem – Jayne Bremer requests appointment
Representative from the PCSO- Wesley Brown, Jr. requests appointment
Representative from the Person Veterans Council- Teresa Burch requests appointment
Representative from Person County Health Department- Tabatha Philpott requests
appointment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to appoint Treco Lea-
Jeffers and Sandy Parker for a 4-year term, and Kenneth Perry for a 2-year term as
members of the general public to the Human Services Advisory Committee.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Jayne
Bremer as Guardian-ad-Litem, Wesley Brown, Jr. as PCSO representative, Teresa Burch
as Person Veterans Council representative, and Tabatha Philpott as Person County Health
Department representative to the Human Services Advisory Committee for a 4-year term.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for each of the following: a Juvenile Defense Attorney, Chief District
Court Judge or Judge designated by the Chief District Court Judge, District Attorney or
designee, Chief Court Counselor or designee, Person County Sheriff or designee, Chief of
Police or designee, Person County School Superintendent or designee, Director of the
Department of Social Services or Consolidated Human Services Agency or designee, and
a Representative of a local Parks and Recreation Program.
6 positions available for Members of the General Public, and 1 position available for a
Citizen under the age of 21
The following applications were received for Members of the General Public:
Anita Banks requests appointment
Beverly Cates requests reappointment
Charles Croson requests appointment
Rev. Phillip Jackson requests appointment
Latisha Linzsey requests reappointment
January 5, 2026
32
Louise Oliver requests reappointment
Debra Sierra requests appointment
Mia Winstead requests appointment
The following applications were received for each of the following:
Michelle Carey requests appointment as Department of Social Services designee
Marie Chapman requests appointment as Chief Court Counselor
John Hill requests reappointment as a Representative from Parks and Recreation
Deputy Sheriff Aron Lappin requests reappointment as Person County Sheriff designee
Judge John Hoyte Stultz, III requests reappointment as Chief District Court Judge
designee
Detective Brice Warren requests appointment as Chief of Police designee
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint Anita
Banks, Charles Croson, Debra Sierra, and Mia Winstead for a 1-year term, and to
reappoint Beverly Cates and Louise Oliver for a 2-year term as members of the general
public to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint
Michelle Carey as DSS designee, Marie Chapman as Chief Court Counselor, and
Detective Brice Warren as Chief of Police designee for a 1-year term and to reappoint
John Hill as a representative from Parks and Recreation, Deputy Sheriff Aron Lappin as
Person County Sheriff designee, and Judge John Hoyte Stultz III as Chief District Court
Judge designee for a 2-year term to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Counsel.
Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
1 position available for the following: a Business Leader representative, and a
Representative from Person Memorial Hospital
The following application was received:
Garrison Bowes Perkins requests appointment as a Business Leader Representative
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to appoint Garrison
Bowes Perkins to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee as a Business Leader
representative.
January 5, 2026
33
Region K Aging Advisory Council
3-Year Term: 2 positions available
The following applications were received:
Jennifer Morrow requests reappointment
Wanda Oneal requests reappointment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Jennifer
Morrow and Wanda Oneal to the Region K Aging Advisory Council for a 3-year term.
Tourism Development Authority
1-Year Initial Term; 2 -Year Reappointment
1 position available for a citizen at-large to fill an unexpired term to 12/31/2027, and
1 position available for a Lodging Representative
The following applications were received:
Amy Adams requests appointment as a citizen-at-large
Dr. Claudia Berryhill requests reappointment for a Lodging Representative
Robby Jones requests appointment as a citizen-at-large
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Robby Jones
to fill the citizen-at-large unexpired term through December 31, 2027 and to reappoint Dr.
Claudia Berryhill as a Lodging representative for a 3-year term to the Tourism
Development Authority.
Workforce Development Board
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for a business and industry representative
The following application was received:
Rev. Philip Jackson requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint Rev.
Philip Jackson as a Business & Industry representative for a 1-year term to the Workforce
Development Board.
January 5, 2026
34
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the County will commemorate
America 250 this year. She stated that there will be a kick-off event this Saturday, January
10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Person County Public Library, which will be a presentation
by Kara Stewart, representing the Sappony Tribe, highlighting American Indian Heritage
in Person County.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn recognized veterans’ honor guard present at Tom Hill
Clayton’s funeral and thanked Chief Deputy Massey for a solo honor salute at Robert
Brooks’ funeral.
Commissioner Thomas had no report.
Commissioner Royster stated that she attended the December 30, 2025,
homelessness town hall; clarified misinformation regarding shelter operating costs and
timing; emphasized the need for compassion and tangible county investments benefiting
residents.
Commissioner Long shared remembrances of Tom Hill Clayton. He Expressed
concerns regarding the $60,000 County allocation to the Roxboro Community
Development Corporation for homeless shelter operations, furnishing, and equipment;
requested confirmation of compliance items including:
o Whether funds have been spent consistent with the agreement
o Receipt of concise reports due August 15, 2024, and annually thereafter
o Certificates of insurance for 2024 and renewal for 2025
o Finance Department audit documentation regarding those funds
o Directed the County Manager to report back to the Board on these items
A motion was made by Vice- Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Sessions at 8:02 p.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 8:06 p.m.
January 5, 2026
35
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 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 in matters related to Hot Rock Haulers v. Person County, with the following
individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele
Solomon, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
CLOSED SESSION #2
A motion to enter into Closed Session #2 per General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6) for the
purpose to discuss personnel with the following individuals permitted to attend: County
Manager Katherine Cathey, County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr., and Human Resources Director
Sonya Carver.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 9:11 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 9:14 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman