03-02-2026 Meeting Minutes BOC
March 2, 2026
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 2, 2026
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
Sherry Wilborn Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board
Jason Thomas Lydia Lavelle., County Attorney
Antoinetta Royster
Donald Long
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in
Regular session on Monday, March 2, 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.
Prior to proceeding, he verified that attendees in the downstairs overflow room could hear
the meeting. He noted a delay in the YouTube stream, and explained that the auditorium
was unavailable due to elections equipment staging for the March 3 primary. He thanked
attendees for their patience and cooperation.
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 Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
APPOINTMENT OF REGISTER OF DEEDS
Chairman Puryear noted that there is a vacancy in the Office of the Register of Deeds.
He stated that he received a nomination from the Person County Democratic Party
recommending Lauren Horak to fill the remainder of the term.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint Lauren
Horak as the Register of Deeds for Person County.
March 2, 2026
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SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Chairman Puryear introduced the Honorable Deborah L. Barker, Clerk of Superior
Court.
Ms. Barker administered the Oath of Office to Register of Deeds Lauren Horak,
Deputy Register of Deeds Karri Clayton and Deputy Register of Deeds Jennifer Patterson.
Register of Deeds Lauren Horak thanked the Board and county staff for their
support, acknowledged the legacy of the late Tonya Wilson, and affirmed the office’s
commitment to uphold compassion, integrity, and the historical recording of vital
documents for Person County residents.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Dr. Dan Phillips of 464 Shady Oak Road, Roxboro spoke on Mayo Lake
administrative rule changes. He stated that the new Wildlife Resources Commission
administrative rule now prohibits placement of docks, piers, and personal property on the
Mayo Lake shoreline or lakebed for more than 24 consecutive hours; enforcement moved
from Duke Energy to Wildlife (citations, fines, court dates). He noted the following
concerns:
Lack of notice to affected property owners (only published in NC Register;
no direct mailing by Duke or Wildlife despite address records).
Rule wording shifted from “construction” to “placement”, adding a 24-hour
limit without a clear rationale.
Economic impacts: projected 20–30% reduction in lake property values
(estimated $25M total), tourism decline, home construction delays, and
impact to local businesses; county tax revenue implications (approx.
$250,000).
Fairness issues: County Park activities unaffected while private property
owners face restrictions.
He stated that residents are forming a consortium to retain counsel and that a
meeting with Duke Energy officials is planned.
March 2, 2026
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Matt and Marnie Schwartz of 971 McGhees Mill Road, Roxboro, spoke about
issues related to litter accumulation on county roadways, broken and missing signs, and
traffic hazards near business drive-thrus. They stated that there is an abundance of litter
along the roadways and specifically mentioned Chub Lake Road, Country Club Road, and
McGhees Mill Road. They inquired about the use of inmate litter-pickup crews and
compliance with Adopt-A-Highway program requirements. they requested that the
frequency of litter clean-up be increased beyond the annual spring effort. They asked that
the broken sign at Community House Road and Chub Lake Road be replaced and that the
sign ordinance be enforced to reduce illegal temporary signs that later become litter. They
also raised concerns about traffic mitigation near high-demand eating establishments, such
as Biscuitville, and asked whether a traffic study had been completed in anticipation of the
planned Chick-fil-A.
Frank Stoltmann of 2682 Chub Lake Road expressed concerns regarding the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). He stated that he served on the UDO Review
Board and noted that the final product did not incorporate the committee’s input and was
ultimately set aside by the Planning Board, resulting in previously funded consultant work
becoming a sunk cost. He further stated that, in the absence of adopted UDO updates or a
formal green plan, he is concerned about environmental protections, aesthetic and
development standards, and zoning compliance for new projects such as the gas storage
plant, the Woodsdale storage area, and Microsoft. He referenced mud issues along
Woodsdale Road following heavy rain and snow, attributing them to silt fencing
deficiencies, and emphasized the need for planning staff to conduct site monitoring and
enforcement. He reviewed the EDC mission statement related to quality of life,
preservation of local resources, and economic growth, and urged that ordinances and
staffing levels be aligned with those goals. He requested that UDO adoption, creation of a
green plan, and planning/zoning staffing be prioritized in the upcoming budget.
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. February 17, 2026, Minutes
B. Budget Amendment #14
C. Amendment to the Resolution Establishing 2026 Schedule of Regular
Meetings for the Person County Board of Commissioners
D. Person County Schools’ Request for Distributions from the North Carolina
Education Lottery Public School Building Repair & Renovation Fund
March 2, 2026
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NEW BUSINESS:
FY27 BUDGET PREVIEW
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that departmental budget requests had
been received and that budget meetings with departments are underway, and that each
request is being vetted against strategic plan priorities. She stated that aggregate requests
currently exceed the current tax rate by approximately 8-9 cents. She stated that she has
not received a request from the school system, and noted that their timeline extends
beyond county departments. She encouraged the Board to continue to convey priorities
and desired outcomes for FY27.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear stated that it was inspiring to see so many people attend and
speak about what they are passionate about. He recognized and thanked Dr. Phillips for
taking the lead on matters related to Mayo Lake. He noted concerns regarding
development, quality of life, economic development impacts, and investment. He stated
that the County has always maintained a good relationship with Duke Energy. He
requested that the Mayo Lake administrative rule enforcement item be placed on the next
regular meeting agenda and that officials from Duke Energy and the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission be invited to answer Board questions. He also requested that the
County Attorney explore county options (e.g., a resolution of support, an enforcement
pause on Duke-owned property, etc.). He advised Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz to connect with
the Environmental Committee through the Clerk to the Board regarding their litter and
signage concerns.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the Spring Civics Academy will be
starting up and is currently full with a waitlist in place. She stated that the next session
will likely be in the Fall and noted to contact Public Information Officer Kim Strickland
for further information. She stated that Person County Emergency Services participated in
a Hands-Only CPR World Record Attempt, which was a multi-county effort, and that
Person County trained 1,900+ individuals in a 12-hour push. She stated that the record
was not broken. She commended staff and participants. She stated that Election Day is
tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and that voters should report to assigned precincts.
She extended thanks to the Board of Elections staff. She stated that the Spring Litter
Sweep is planned for April 18, 2026, and is a County–City partnership, and that volunteers
typically meet-up by City Hall, then deploy to various areas of the county.
March 2, 2026
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Cathey stated that Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 1–7. She stated
that a statewide tornado drill will occur on Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. She stated
that the first public test of the Person County Prepare emergency notification system will
be conducted Friday, March 6 at 12:00 p.m. She stated that residents may register via the
Person County website.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed thanks to the Democratic Party Executive
Committee for nominating a qualified, non-politicized candidate. She praised Lauren
Horak’s performance and office interactions. She stated that she attended an EDC Meeting
and a Transportation Advisory Board Meeting. She responded to citizen inquiries about
secondary road conditions during winter weather and explained that neighboring counties
with interstates (Granville, Warren, Vance) have third-party contracts to clear major roads,
freeing local crews to focus elsewhere. They also receive federal support that Person
County does not—yielding more trucks/staff during events. She stated related to Mayo
Lake, she liked that there was one spokesperson for the group. She emphasized the need to
understand regulatory basis (e.g., Army Corps permit conditions, history dating to 1977),
and whether the issue concerns floating docks, boats, or both. She supported inviting Duke
and Wildlife to the next meeting. She noted the Sheriff’s interest in inmate litter crews;
staffing constraints limit deployment. She recommended planning staff enforce the sign
ordinance to curtail illegal temporary signs that become litter. She clarified that the
Steering Committee’s input related to the UDO was not incorporated into the draft. She
stated that the Board is proceeding with standalone ordinance updates consolidated over
multiple meetings with public hearings.
Commissioner Thomas expressed strong support for Mayo Lake residents and
urged attendance when Duke Energy and NC Wildlife are present. He stated that residents
deserve clear answers.
Commissioner Royster expressed thanks to attendees. She encouraged prayers for
armed services and indicated that she has active-duty family members. She congratulated
Register of Deeds Lauren Horak and Register of Deeds Deputies Karri Clayton and
Jennifer Patterson. She acknowledged Tonya Wilson’s legacy. She stated that she attended
the NACo Legislative Conference last week in Washington, D.C. She shared that she
serves on Human Services & Education, Healthy Counties, and Rural Action Caucus. She
stated that the themes across similarly sized counties are data centers, alternative energy
(gas, nuclear, solar), and property tax pressures. She stated that she will share insights
with colleagues and the County Manager.
March 2, 2026
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Royster stated that March is Social Work Month. She recognized the passing of
Judi Akers, who retired with 30+ years at Person County DSS. She credited Aker’s
mentorship and leadership.
Commissioner Long offered congratulations to Lauren Horak and commended her
character, noting longstanding family ties. He stated that he has been working with the
Chair to initiate dialogue and supports seeking a resolution related to Mayo Lake. He
stated that in reference to the UDO, he clarified it was the Planning Board that scrapped
the consultant product due to frustrations with omissions and inclusions. He stated that the
Planning Board is now methodically updating original planning documents. He stated that
he participated personally with the hands-only CPR and that he is a former paramedic. He
stated that he appreciated the effort despite not breaking the record. He reminded all to
vote tomorrow. He discussed budget priorities to include EMS Paramedic pay adjustments
to improve recruitment and retention and funding for an industrial park. He encouraged
prayers and voiced support for national leadership.
Chairman Puryear stated that the Board of Commissioners has priority for the
auditorium scheduling, except when not possible, in the case of this evening, due to
elections. He proposed moving the next regular meeting, which is scheduled for March 16,
2026 at 9:00 a.m. to the auditorium to accommodate expected attendance related to the
Mayo Lake item.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to amend the
Resolution Establishing 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the Person County Board
of Commissioners to move the March 16, 2026 meeting location to the auditorium.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 6:52 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman