03-02-2026 Agenda Packet BOCPERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING AGENDA
304 South Morgan Street, Room 215
Roxboro, NC 27573-5245
336-597-1720
Fax 336-599-1609
March 2, 2026
6:00 p.m.
This meeting will convene in Room 215 of the County Office Building.
1.CALL TO ORDER...................................................................................................Chairman Puryear
2.INVOCATION
3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5.Appointment of Register of Deeds...........................................................................Chairman Puryear
6.Swearing-In Ceremony.......................................................................The Honorable Deborah Barker
•Register of Deeds Lauren Horak
•Deputy Register of Deeds Karri Clayton
•Deputy Register of Deeds Jennifer Patterson
7.INFORMAL COMMENTS
The Person County Board of Commissioners established a 10-minute segment which
is open for informal comments and/or questions from citizens of this county on issues,
other than those issues for which a public hearing has been scheduled. The time will
be divided equally among those wishing to comment. It is requested that any person
who wishes to address the Board, register with the Clerk to the Board prior to the
meeting.
1
8.DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A.February 17, 2025, Minutes (pgs.3-48)
B.Budget Amendment #14 (pgs.49-50)
C.Amendment to the Resolution Establishing 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the Person
County Board of Commissioners (pgs.51-53)
D.Person County Schools’ Request for Distributions from the North Carolina Education Lottery
Public School Building Repair & Renovation Fund (pgs.54-56)
9.NEW BUSINESS
A.FY27 Budget Preview (pg.57)...............................................................................Katherine Cathey
10.CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
11.MANAGER’S REPORT
12.COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS/COMMENTS
Note: All Items on the Agenda are for Discussion and Action as deemed appropriate by
the Board.
2
February 17, 2026
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS February 17, 2026
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
Sherry Wilborn Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Jason Thomas
Antoinetta Royster
Donald Long
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
Regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This meeting was set as the
Board’s annual retreat focusing primarily on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and/or any
other topics as deemed appropriate. The Retreat location was in the Auditorium of 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.
He then called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Register of Deeds Tonya Wilson.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
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 22, 2025, Minutes
B. January 20, 2026, Minutes
C. January 29, 2026, Minutes
D. Budget Amendment #13
E. Report of Unpaid 2025 Real Estate Taxes
F. Advertisement of Unpaid 2025 Real Estate Taxes
G. Tax Adjustments for February 2026
3
February 17, 2026
2
PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton introduced Hunter Wiseman, Audit
Manager with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co, P.A., the accounting firm that
completed the annual county audit. Mr. Wiseman stated that county finances are good
from an audit standpoint. He presented the following audit results to the Board.
4
February 17, 2026
3
5
February 17, 2026
4
6
February 17, 2026
5
7
February 17, 2026
6
8
February 17, 2026
7
9
February 17, 2026
8
10
February 17, 2026
9
11
February 17, 2026
10
12
February 17, 2026
11
13
February 17, 2026
12
14
February 17, 2026
13
15
February 17, 2026
14
16
February 17, 2026
15
17
February 17, 2026
16
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to accept the annual
comprehensive financial report for FY25.
MID-YEAR FISCAL UPDATES
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton presented the following:
18
February 17, 2026
17
19
February 17, 2026
18
20
February 17, 2026
19
21
February 17, 2026
20
22
February 17, 2026
21
23
February 17, 2026
22
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed concerns regarding revolving loan arrangements
and referenced the Kerr-Tar COG. Clayton addressed these, noting that the older program
in the county budget is still being repaid and has a few years remaining. Commissioner
Long asked if Clayton had any concerns about the fund balance, to which she replied she
had none. County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the target is to maintain a 25%
available fund balance, and when that threshold is exceeded, the Board may transfer the
excess to the Capital Investment Fund. She recommended retaining a modest excess in the
General Fund until fiscal year-end to avoid dropping below the policy minimum.
24
February 17, 2026
23
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE PREVIEW
Tax Administrator Russell Jones presented the following:
25
February 17, 2026
24
26
February 17, 2026
25
Jones reported that actual revenues exceeded conservative estimates, resulting in a
positive impact on the fund balance. He explained that the increase was driven by
valuation growth and the effects of reappraisal.
27
February 17, 2026
26
FINANCIAL MODEL
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton introduced Andrew Carter with DEC who
presented the following:
28
February 17, 2026
27
29
February 17, 2026
28
30
February 17, 2026
29
Commissioner Royster asked questions regarding General Obligation (GO) Bonds,
and Vice-Chair Wilborn inquired about the process. Carter explained that the success rate
of recent GO Bonds often depended on project mix, noting that school and transportation
projects tended to be more favorable. He discussed legislative changes related to general
election placement and tax impact disclosure, as well as the schedule and flexibility
provided by the 7-year window and 3-year extension. He stated that DEC will use the
model to explore “what-if” scenarios that could maintain a ballot impact at $0, depending
on capacity and timing.
BREAK/RECESS
Chairman Puryear called a recess at 11:08 a.m. and reconvened the meeting at
11:20 a.m.
31
February 17, 2026
30
FY27 BUDGET PREVIEW
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the following:
Vice-Chair Wilborn asked about Centennial Park, specifically the difference
between soft opening and grand opening. Cathey explained that a soft opening allows
controlled public use during daylight hours to refine trail systems while continuing the
build-out of trails and amenities ahead of the grand opening. Wilborn inquired about
tracking usage, and Cathey stated that usage tracking will be reviewed with Parks staff.
32
February 17, 2026
31
Commissioner Royster asked questions regarding jail-related cost increases.
Cathey noted that the jail food service contract is expected to increase by 9.5%.
33
February 17, 2026
32
Vice-Chair Wilborn reported that the NCACC recently addressed healthcare
during a statewide meeting, focusing on medical costs for inmates. Cathey explained that,
due to federal changes affecting inmate coverage, jail medical expenses are expected to
increase by approximately $200,000.
34
February 17, 2026
33
Commissioner Royster stated it was her understanding the body scanner for the
Detention Center would be funded through Opioid Settlement funds. Cathey clarified that
research had been completed and confirmed that Opioid Settlement funds cannot be used
for that purpose. She noted that the purchase may be funded with the remaining balance of
ARPA funds. Royster emphasized that CIP requests need to be prioritized.
35
February 17, 2026
34
Vice-Chair Wilborn and Commissioner Royster both emphasized that position
requests needed to be thoroughly evaluated.
36
February 17, 2026
35
Chairman Puryear stated that he would like to see a decrease in the tax rate and
emphasized the need for careful review of revenues and expenditures.
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed that the County should implement a “Purchase
Local” policy.
37
February 17, 2026
36
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 directing the County
Manager to present a purchasing policy that prioritizes local businesses, whenever
feasible, at the March 16, 2026, meeting.
A motion was made by Vice- Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Sessions at 11:18 a.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 11:30 a.m.
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 the following lawsuits: 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.
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, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, 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 12:30 p.m.
38
February 17, 2026
37
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
County Manager Katherine Cathey introduced EDC members, Vice-Chair Philip
Allen and member Kenneth Perry, who were invited by the Board to discuss the
organizational structure of the Economic Development Department.
Overview and Comments by Vice-Chair Philip Allen:
Economic Development as a Team Effort: Success requires aligned, consistent
communication and collaboration among:
o Board of Commissioners
o County Manager
o EDC Executive Director
o EDC Executive Committee
o Full EDC Board
Importance of “Product”: Projects depend on shovel-ready sites, modern buildings,
and infrastructure (water/sewer, power, access). Past successes occurred because
product was available.
Role of EDC Executive Director: Serves as the central point among stakeholders;
must be strong, communicative, and trusted—responsible for recruitment,
managing prospects, and supporting existing industries.
Retention of Existing Industry: Recruitment should not overshadow proactive
support for current employers.
Comments by EDC Member Kenneth Perry:
Evolving Business Needs: Many prospects now seek existing buildings with
specific specifications (clear height, floor loads, dock doors, utilities) rather than
raw land.
Building Limitations: Privately owned, non-spec buildings in Person County often
fail to meet modern manufacturing requirements, reducing competitiveness.
Regulatory Efficiency: Processes should remain hands-on, accountable,
responsive, and streamlined; avoid unnecessary layers that slow projects.
39
February 17, 2026
38
Discussion followed amongst the Board of Commissioners and EDC members.
Lead Flow & Constraints:
Project Opportunities: Approximately 110 opportunities received in the past year;
only four met minimum criteria for submission—indicating insufficient “product.”
Debt Capacity: Based on Local Government Commission (LGC) formulas and
current obligations, borrowing capacity is limited. New debt may require a tax
increase without new revenues.
Economic Catalyst Fund:
o Annual general fund contribution: $250,000
o Current balance: approximately $2.5 million
o Some incentives are paid from this fund
o Discussion included using the fund more actively for:
Site/park development
Pad-ready projects
Targeted incentives
Alternative Strategies:
o Explore public-private programs to incentivize building modernization
(e.g., grants, tax abatements, cost-sharing) to meet modern specifications.
o Consider performance-based approaches for EDC operating support or
contracts tied to new investment—subject to legal review and policy
clarity.
Board Guidance & Expectations:
The Board expects the EDC to present all legitimate projects to Commissioners for
consideration—regardless of anticipated vote outcomes—to ensure transparency
and avoid missed opportunities.
Commissioners emphasized the need for cooperation, communication, and
alignment among the Board, County Manager, and EDC leadership.
40
February 17, 2026
39
STRATEGIC PLAN
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the current strategic plan
(adopted/amended effective July 1, 2025) and sought Board feedback on goals and
strategies for the coming budget cycle. Goals are intended for 2–4 years; strategies for 1–2
years with quarterly reporting.
41
February 17, 2026
40
42
February 17, 2026
41
43
February 17, 2026
42
44
February 17, 2026
43
45
February 17, 2026
44
46
February 17, 2026
45
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she would like to see 3.1 changed to in-progress.
She also asked if there is a return on investment related to the Civics Academy. She
suggested that Economic Development be added to 16.2. Commissioner Royster had
concerns related to items 2.1 and 2.2., and Cathey advised that staff will keep priorities
aligned with debt capacity and economic development needs. She stated that staff will
continue to review and refine strategies with department heads and bring recommended
adjustments to the Board during the budget process.
A discussion ensued regarding a City-County partnership request (South
Elementary Sidewalk).
The City of Roxboro has grant funding for a sidewalk near South Elementary
School; a shortfall of just over $400,000 remains.
The City of Roxboro has informally requested the County consider funding half
(~$200,000+) due to proximity to County-funded schools and public safety
benefits (student pedestrian safety).
Board discussion: General interest in hearing a formal presentation; Commissioner
Royster expressed support given student safety concerns.
It was the consensus of the Board for Cathey to coordinate with the City of
Roxboro to schedule a presentation and bring a decision item to a future Board meeting.
47
February 17, 2026
46
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to make informal
comments.
CLOSING REMARKS:
Chairman Puryear read a letter from the Democratic Party recommending Deputy
Register of Deeds Lauren Horak for the appointment of Register of Deeds. He asked that
this be placed on the Board’s next meeting. He acknowledged George Willoughby with
the Courier-Times, and wished him the best of luck in his future endeavors. He thanked all
in attendance and staff for the work that was put into the presentation for the budget
retreat.
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed condolences to the Wilson family. She expressed
thanks to all that worked and assisted during the severe weather that we had recently. She
stated that the Housing Summit was held and had great representation. She stated that she
attended the meet-and-greet with Voltage. She expressed thanks to all involved with the
budget preparation and presentation for the retreat.
Commissioner Royster expressed condolences to the Wilson family. She stated
that she attended the Open-House for the newly renovated 911 Center and appreciated the
invite and time that she spent there.
Commissioner Long expressed condolences to the Wilson family, Womack family
and the family of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He stated that he attended the Rec Board meeting
and the Fire Chiefs’ meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 1:44 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman
(Draft Board minutes are subject to Board approval).
48
3/2/2026
Dept./Acct No.Department Name Amount
Incr / (Decr)
EXPENDITURES General Fund
General Government 20,100
Public Safety 2,500
Culture and Recreation 113,479
Human Services 3,448
Transportation 32,978
REVENUES General Fund
Other Revenue 26,048
Fund Balance Appropriation 645,121
Intergovernmental Revenues (498,664)
EXPENDITURES Airport Construction Project Fund 59,484
REVENUES Airport Construction Project Fund
Fund Balance Appropriation 59,484
Explanation:
Account Number Account Description
$Revenues
incr. (decr.)
(cr.) dr.
$Expenditures
incr. (decr.)
dr. (cr.)
100-389890 Misc Revs: Insurance Proceeds 3,448
1905310-435300 DSS; Maint & Repair/Vehicles 3,448
10025-336840 Animal Services-Donations 2,500
1004380-419000 Animal Services-Veterinary Services 2,500
10090-399991 General Fund-FBA 612,143
10035-337231 PATS-Capital Grant (498,664)
1006120-425600 P&R-JCPC Scholarship 2,250
1006120-426125 P&R-County Farm Rotary Donation 111,229
10590-399991 Fleet Fund: FBA 32,978
1059820-400010 Fleet Fund: Transfer to GF 32,978
BUDGET AMENDMENT #14
Appropriating insurance proceeds of ($3,448) for Department of Social Services vehicle repairs; recognizing
donations ($2,500) in Animal Services to support excess veterinary expenses; appropriating fund
balance($612,143) from General Fund to reduce duplicate Person Area Transportation (PATS) carry forward
in BA-7 (-$498,664) and carrying forward JCPC scholarship ($2,250) and grant funds from FY25 County
Farm Rotary Club donation ($111,229) expenses; budgeting transfer from Fleet Fund to General Fund for
local match of purchase of PATS vehicles ($32,978); recognizing excess revenues ($20,100) to support
additional expense in Fleet Fund and appropriating fund balance ($59,484) in the Airport Construction Fund
to support Access Road Rehabilitation project ahead of grant funding.
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT DETAIL
49
10070-390105 GF: Transfer from Fleet Fund 32,978
1004521-454000 PATS Admin: Cap Out Vehicles 32,978
105-385001 Fleet Fund-Sale Of Fixed Assets/Fleet 20,100
1054125-435305 Fleet Fund-Enterprise MGT Fees 20,100
40090-399991 Airport Constr Fund-FBA 59,484
4004530-551886 Airport Constr Fund-Rehab Access Rd 59,484
Totals 264,967 264,967
50
AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:
March 2, 2026
Agenda Title:
Amendment to the Resolution Establishing 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the Person
County Board of Commissioners
Summary of Information:
The Board of Commissioners took action to set its regular schedule of meetings for 2026 at its
November 18, 2025 meeting. Before the Board is a Resolution Amending the Board of
Commissioners 2026 Meeting Schedule to change the location of the April 6, 2026 scheduled
meeting to the Person County Office Building Auditorium.
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
Adopt the Amended Resolution Establishing 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings.
Submitted By:
Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
51
Resolution Establishing
2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the
Person County Board of Commissioners
WHEREAS, NC General Statute 153A-40 requires boards of commissioners to hold a
regular-scheduled meeting at least once a month; and
WHEREAS, the Person County Board of Commissioners meets in its Commissioners'
Boardroom 215 in the Person County Office Building, located at 304 S. Morgan Street in
Roxboro, North Carolina, unless otherwise noted below.
WHEREAS, action of the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on March 2, 2026, to
change the location of the April 6, 2026 Meeting to the Person County Office Building
Auditorium. Now therefore, be it
RESOLVED by action of the Person County Board of Commissioners, the following
Schedule of Regular Meetings for 2026 is set forth as following:
January 05, 2026
January 20,2026 (Tuesday)
February 02, 2026
February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
Annual Retreat
March 02, 2026
March 16, 2026
April 06, 2026
April 20, 2026
May 04, 2026
May 18, 2026
June 01, 2026
June 15, 2026
July 20, 2026
August 03, 2026
August 17, 2026
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.*County Office Building Auditorium
9:00 a.m. *Raleigh Regional Airport at Person
County
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m. *County Office Building Auditorium
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
52
September 08, 2026 (Tuesday)
September 21, 2026
October 05, 2026
October 19, 2026
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
November 2, 2026
November 16, 2026
December 7, 2026
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
5:30 p.m.*County Office Building Auditorium
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be posted on the Board of
Commissioners' bulletin board located outside the Commissioners' meeting room 215 of the County
Office Building at least ten (I0) days before the first meeting to which it applies, and that the adopted
Schedule of Meetings dates shall be posted on the County website and distributed with the Sunshine
email group.
Adopted this, the 2nd day of March 2026.
________________________________
Kyle Puryear, Chairman
Person County Board of Commissioners
Attest:
_____________________________
Michele Solomon, NCCCC
Clerk of Board
53
AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:
March 2, 2026
Agenda Title:
Person County Schools’ Request for Distributions from the North Carolina Education Lottery
Public School Building Repair & Renovation Fund
Summary of Information:
The school system requests approval of one project application that is based on their Facility
Needs Study and would be funded by the Public-School Building Repair & Renovation Fund.
This fund was established by S.L. 2021-180, Section 4.4.(a1), which provides revenue to
counties for school repair and renovation projects.
As with the Public School Building Capital Fund, the application requires approval by both the
Board of Education and Board of Commissioners before submittal to the Department of Public
Instruction (DPI). Once approved, it must be executed by the chair of each board. The Board of
Education approved the attached applications at their meetings on March 13, 2025 and May 8,
2025, and they are now before the Board of Commissioners for consideration.
The project applications are for:
1. Southern Middle School – Replace current boilers that are obsolete ($300,000)
2.North End Elementary – Replace floor tile along with classroom renovation ($200,000)
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
Approve the applications for two requested projects to be submitted to the Department of
Public Instruction.
Submitted By:
Tracy Clayton, Chief Financial Officer
54
55
56
AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:
March 2, 2026
Agenda Title:
FY27 Budget Preview
Summary of Information:
The Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY27 will be presented to the Board of
Commissioners on May 18. The County Manager will update the board on the budget process
to date and receive feedback regarding the board’s priorities for FY27.
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
Receive presentation, discuss, and provide feedback.
Submitted By:
Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
57