01-20-2026 Meeting Minutes BOC
January 20, 2026
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS January 20, 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 Tuesday, January 20, 2026 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.
Commissioner Thomas offered an invocation, and Commissioner Royster 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 Closed Session #2 pursuant to NC General Statute 143-
318.11(a)(1) to prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential
pursuant to the law of this State or of the United States, or not considered a public record
within the meaning of Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, and Closed Session #3
pursuant to NC General Statute 143-318.11(a)(3) for attorney-client privilege in matters
related to the following lawsuits: Burrell v. Wilborn, Person County v. Reaves, Person
County v. Yarboro, and Hot Rock Haulers v. Person County
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments.
Amy Daniel of 1828 Leasburg Road, Roxboro stated that SeaFest at the Palace
will be held in June at Palace Pointe. She stated that this is a large-scale fundraising event
supporting NC Veterans Outdoors (NCVO), which is a veteran-to-veteran organization
focused on reconnecting veterans through outdoor activities and community engagement.
January 20, 2026
2
Daniel requested inclusion on the next Board agenda to discuss county
partnership/support; noted ongoing coordination with Person Veterans Council, American
Legion, local media, and donors. She emphasized Person County’s high percentage of
resident veterans and her lifelong connection to veteran support.
Jada Garnett of 711 Leasburg Road, Lot 15, Roxboro spoke on her personal
experience in the County’s child welfare system and concerns raised following a prior
public comment. She reported feeling unsupported after the previous meeting; stated that
subsequent record review revealed that one current commissioner had served as the DSS
social worker involved in her removal from the home. She stated that multiple
current/former youth in custody reported abuse in foster placements; expressed concerns
over meeting access and support persons being excluded from meetings; and asked for
assurance that she may meet with County staff with support present. She raised questions
about funds she believes were due to her prior to aging out and requested an update and
timeline on locating any such funds. She asked the Board to investigate County child
welfare/family services processes and impacts on children and families.
Amanda Wallace, Founder, Operation Stop CPS of Durham continued advocacy
regarding the death of Kemari Morgan, allegedly while in an unlicensed foster home
under Person County DSS placement. She urged the Board to consider departmental
recommendations regarding reunification for Briauna Morgan’s children. She asserted that
DSS recommendations strongly influence court outcomes and that recommending
reunification could resolve pending custody issues. She raised objections to limitations on
participation of community support persons in County meetings, and requested action on a
public records request reported as six months overdue. She characterized the system as
failing families and urged deeper examination of historical context and funding priorities.
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. January 5, 2026, Minutes
B. Budget Amendment # 12
C. Personnel Policy Amendment
D. Written Decision Approving Special Use Permit Application SUP-04-25
E. Human Services Advisory Committee Term Lengths
January 20, 2026
3
NEW BUSINESS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that at the Board’s prior meeting, staff
were asked to bring back details regarding the process for participating in the Local
Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS) in the event the Economic
Development Commission (EDC) were to assume responsibilities currently held by the
County’s Economic Development Department, with employees transitioning from County
to an independent public authority model. She stated the following:
o The EDC must adopt a resolution requesting to join LGERS;
o Employees of the EDC must vote on membership—majority approval
required;
o County staff must compile financials (prior years and projections) to
support LGERS application review;
o A surety is required for certain non-taxing authorities, roughly estimated
(by staff) to be 1–2 years of payroll (working estimate of $200,000–
$400,000 to be finalized by LGERS actuaries);
o Timeline is tight: to begin participation July 1, applications are considered
at the April Board of Trustees meeting with materials due by February 28,
2026.
Discussion ensued by the Board to include the following:
o Commissioners noted that, beyond the LGERS mechanics, broader issues
remain: future funding of an authority structure, roles among economic
development partners (including PCBIC) and other stakeholders, and the
feasibility of completing all work by February 28 given other County
business.
o That this is valuable groundwork for potential next-year implementation if
not feasible in 2026.
It was the consensus of the Board to schedule the organizational discussion, along
with the EDC, and add it to the agenda for the Commissioners’ Annual Retreat at the
second February meeting.
January 20, 2026
4
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear had no report.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that staff are tracking potential snow and
winter weather impacts this weekend via National Weather Service briefings. She stated
that communications will be issued, as needed, regarding County winter weather plans and
any service changes.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that the Housing Summit will take place on January 29,
2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion, located at 218 Chub Lake Street. She indicated
that the space was donated and was at no cost to the County. She cited a Triangle Business
Journal analysis, “Paycheck Patterns” highlighting Granville County’s high average wages
tied to manufacturing concentration, reiterating the importance of industry
recruitment/support in expanding Person County’s tax base. She provided a local tax base
snapshot and stated that 10 of the county’s highest taxpayers are manufacturers; 3 of 10
are utilities.
Commissioner Thomas reported confirmation that Mr. Wright was found alive and
commended all involved in the search effort.
Commissioner Royster responded to concerns and allegations made during Public
Comment. She spoke from professional experience as a social worker, affirming
commitment to child safety and acknowledging concerns about foster care quality. She
noted that there are situations in which recommendations for reunification or continued
care can differ from judicial decisions. She stated that she attended MLK Prayer Breakfast
(Person County Ministerial Alliance) and MLK Noonday Service (Committee on the
Affairs of Black Citizens) and reflected on Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to unity,
peace, justice, and equality. She asked staff to review warming center options during cold
conditions and consider DSS facility utilization procedures (as applicable). She
encouraged support for India Pettiford of Person County appearing on American Idol
Monday, January 26, 2026.
Commissioner Long reported attendance at multiple meetings and events January
6–19, to include the Recreation Board Meeting, Planning Board Meeting, Commissioner
Training, and MLK Breakfast. He echoed interest in warming center planning. He
discussed Roxboro Community Development Corporation inquiries and requested
audits/reviews previously asked for.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Sessions at 9:31 a.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 9:35 a.m.
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)(1) to prevent the
disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of this State
or of the United States, or not considered a public record within the meaning of Chapter
132 of the General Statutes with the following individuals permitted to attend: County
Manager Katherine Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, County Attorney T.C. Morphis,
Jr., Assistant County Manager/Human Services Director Brian Hart, and DSS Deputy Director
Kristy Perry.
CLOSED SESSION #3
A motion to enter into Closed Session #3 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 the following lawsuits: Burrell v. Wilborn, Person County v.
Reaves, Person County v. Yarboro, and 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.
January 20, 2026
5
January 20, 2026
6
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 10:24 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 10:25 a.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman