03-16-2026 Meeting Minutes BOCMarch 16, 2026
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 16, 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, March 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Auditorium of the 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 Long and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda, removing Closed Session #2 and replacing it with a Closed Session for attorney-
client privilege regarding the matters of Hot Rock Haulers v. Person County and Person
County v. Yarboro.
SOCIAL WORK MONTH PROCLAMATION
Deputy DSS Director Kristy Perry formally presented a Proclamation designating
March as Social Work Month, honoring the profound dedication and indispensable service
of social workers throughout Person County. She noted that while Social Work Month has
been nationally observed since the 1960s, the profession’s impact in Person County extends
back many decades, reflecting a long-standing commitment to strengthening families,
safeguarding vulnerable residents, and promoting the well-being of the community. Over
the years, Person County social workers have played a vital role in building local support
systems, advancing community partnerships, and upholding the values of service and
compassion that continue to define the field today. Following the reading of the
Proclamation, social work staff in attendance were invited to rise and receive the recognition
of the Board and all present.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the Social
Work Month Proclamation.
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Chairman Puryear presented the Proclamation to Perry.
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INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individuals appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Mary Tucker of 41 Captains Drive, Roxboro reported that she and her husband
purchased one of the first properties on Admiral’s Landing, and that they chose this
location because it is designated as a wildlife refuge, unlike the Hyco area, which includes
boathouses and similar structures. She explained that the rules in place at the time of
purchase remain unchanged today. She noted that Duke Energy regulations have long
prohibited tree removal and construction of boathouses within 500 feet of the lake. She
expressed concern that these rules have not been consistently enforced, citing an instance
where Duke Energy intervened after unauthorized alterations were made to a nearby
property. She stated that despite longstanding restrictions, some owners have been
permitted to build boathouses and similar structures, and she regrets the lack of uniform
enforcement.
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. March 2, 2026, Minutes
B. Budget Amendment #15
C. Person Area Transportation System Procurement Policy Update
NEW BUSINESS:
DUKE ENERGY AND NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION MAYO
LAKE UPDATE
County Manager Katherine Cathey noted the Board’s invitation to Duke Energy
and NC Wildlife Resources Commission following informal public comment related to the
Mayo Lake shoreline at the March 2, 2026 meeting. She acknowledged representatives
from Duke Energy, NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Mayo Lake property owners
present. She turned the presentation over to Duke Energy’s East Region Government and
Community Relations Director Beth Townsend who introduced Duke Energy’s General
Manager of Water Strategy, Hydro Licensing & Lake Services Jeff Lineberger who
presented the following related to Mayo Lake shoreline management, historic 404 permit
conditions, and the recently adopted Wildlife Resources Commission rules.
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Lineberger oversees access management across Duke Energy’s 39 reservoirs in
North Carolina and South Carolina. He emphasized Mayo Lake is an important place to
this county, an important place to Duke Energy, and certainly an important issue, as it
relates to shoreline management, and indicated that this is near and dear to everybody in
this room.
Duke Energy Presentation Highlights:
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Section 404 Permit (1978): The original
permit and Final Environmental Impact Statement included commitments that the
reservoir and land up to 450’ above mean sea level (MSL) contour be placed in NC
Game Lands and that no private piers, docks, moorings, or similar facilities be
permitted adjacent to the lake.
Historic Communications: Information posted on Duke’s website and periodic
letters to adjoining owners emphasized the lake and shoreline were to remain in a
natural and undisturbed condition, permitting only approved footpaths (e.g.,
serpentine, ≤ 4 feet wide) and limiting tree cutting.
Inventory of Private Moorings: ~231 (two years ago); 259 as of last week (~12%
increase).
Rulemaking Request (2024): Duke asked NC WRC to align Game Lands rules
with ACOE commitments. NC WRC adopted a rule effective January 1, 2026,
prohibiting placement of docks/piers/personal property for >24 consecutive hours
on the lakebed/shoreline.
Next Steps: Duke proposes a facilitated stakeholder group (small, representative)
and requested a grace period on enforcement through October 1, 2026 to allow
dialogue.
Public Access: In addition to Triple Springs Landing (adjacent to Mayo Park),
historical commitments referenced two public access locations. Duke is assessing
feasibility of a second site (potentially on “Bowmantown Road property” ~35
acres or Virgilina Road property ~52 acres) and possible Triple Springs
improvements (e.g., striping/parking).
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NC Wildlife Resources Commission Highlights:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Land and Water Access Division Chief Daron
Barnes and Captain Nathan Green, District Enforcement covering Mayo Lake provided
the following:
Rulemaking Process: NC WRC followed its standard statewide annual rule cycle
(noticed in the NC Register, press releases, email notices to subscribers, social
media posts, and three virtual hearings). Because the Mayo Lake item was part of a
larger packet, there was no separate, Mayo-specific local announcement.
Enforcement: The rule took effect January 1, 2026. NC WRC indicated
willingness to honor Duke’s requested grace period to October 1, 2026, generally
starting with contacts/verbal warnings, then written warnings, before citations.
Local Contacts: Officers made some prior courtesy contacts in summer patrols.
Dr. Dan Phillips (representing Mayo Lake property owners) raised:
Concerns the rule was based on incomplete/incorrect information,
Trust issues cited with Duke Energy and NC WRC,
24-hour period labeled as arbitrary and capricious, enforcement practicality
concerns,
Potential property value declines, local business impact (real estate, builders,
tourism), boat ramp congestion, and removal costs ($2K–$6K per platform;
landfill impacts),
Desire to reverse the rule, improve communication, form a broad stakeholder team
(including Parks & Rec, tourism, builders/realtors, property owners), and produce
clear, durable rules for future deeds/compliance, and
Indicated property owners have engaged legal counsel if resolution cannot be
reached.
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Chairman Puryear thanked Duke Energy for attending and providing a
presentation. He stated that he was surprised at the recent developments. He stated that
Person County has been pro-Duke Energy with Board votes, often 5-0 in support over
many years. He praised public relations work by Duke Energy staff locally. He criticized
the lack of transparency around the October 2024 request to NC WRC and subsequent
rulemaking. He stated that it was not transparent to the people around this community. He
stated a desire to continue a good corporate partnership with Duke Energy and asked them
to honor residents’ request for a delay. He noted unprecedented attendance, over 150
people, and stated that he has never seen this many people in a room for a Board of
Commissioners meeting on a Monday morning.
Vice-Chair Wilborn voiced concerns about the County’s role as a regulatory
authority and indicated that the County is not an adjudicator of disputes between private
parties and that the County is not judge and jury on this matter. She stated that this matter
is not for this Board to decide. She asked Duke Energy if compliance with the 404 permit
commitments is non-negotiable, and is the only pathway full compliance, to which
Lineberger replied that the commitment language is clear, no private moorings, and
compliance is the only pathway. Wilborn asked if Duke Energy would need an Army
Corps of Engineers permit modification to change this. Lineberger stated that Duke
Energy has not had those conversations with the Army Corps yet, and that they are
hopeful a facilitated stakeholder process can identify better solutions.
Commissioner Royster asked who would be on the stakeholder team. Lineberger
stated it would be a small team (12 or fewer) to avoid inefficiency, and recommended that
it consist of Dr. Dan Phillips and several adjoining owners that want private moorings, as
well as some that do not want private moorings, Person County Recreation, Arts and Parks
Director John Hill, and NC WRC.
Commissioner Thomas asked why floating platforms are a problem. Lineberger
stated that the basic problem is it does not align with the original commitment and that the
lake and shoreline was intended to remain natural and undisturbed.
Commissioner Long asked NC WRC why the public wasn’t notified. Barnes
advised that the public was notified and that the notification was bundled with 20+ rule
changes, related to hunting, fishing, and land and water access. He stated that there was no
Mayo Lake-specific post or local government outreach and that it is the practice of the NC
WRC annual statewide rule cycle that they do not go to each local government or every
individual party for specific rules; they follow the same process statewide.
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Chairman Puryear read the draft resolution, version 1- Resolution Regarding the
Use of Mayo Lake. He stated that the Board is limited on what they can do. He stated that
it is the desire of the Board to continue talks with Duke Energy and NC WRC. He stated
that he is supportive of a resolution and is in support of version 1.
Commissioner Long made a motion to approve version 1 resolution.
The following discussion ensued after the motion was made:
Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed sympathy for residents and reiterated that this
Board is not a “judge and jury.”. She stated that the County is a stakeholder via Mayo
Park, not as an adjudicator of disputes between private parties. She suggested that Joh Hill
should have a seat on the stakeholder team as an independent party, not aligned with any
side. She stated that the lakes exist because Duke Energy built them and operates the
plants. She stated that Duke Energy is the largest taxpayer in Person County. She stated
that if permit compliance ties to plant operations or goodwill, the economic weight of
plants could exceed diminished property values; arguing solely on maximizing tax value
could become inconsistent (e.g., supporting permanent docks which some residents
oppose). She stated that the County is a regulatory authority that expects compliance with
rules (zoning, environmental, permits), and that it would be inconsistent for the County to
officially oppose enforcement of what Duke believes is required under its 404 permit. She
cited concern that passing a resolution opposing enforcement could entangle the County if
litigation ensues (implied commitments to fund legal action or take sides). She stated that
she supports stakeholder engagement; does not support a resolution that opposes
enforcement; and is cautious about County staff assisting in a way that implies
adjudication.
Commissioner Royster stated that she is supportive of a resolution, and prefers
version 2, as she supports delaying enforcement while stakeholders work, rather than
opposing enforcement outright.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he is supportive of a resolution and is in support
of version 1. He stated that the Board is here to represent the taxpayers, and that there is a
room full of taxpayers; version 1 is the way to make some noise.
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Commissioner Long praised Duke Energy’s historic relationship with Person
County. He stated that Person County citizens have supported Duke Energy publicly. He
warned Duke Energy that they might destroy the goodwill which they have previously
earned. He urged Duke Energy to work with Army Corps and citizens to amend the permit
to allow a simple floating pontoon dock on the water body. He indicated that he plans to
write Duke Energy’s CEO and possibly attend a shareholder meeting to shed light on the
issue.
Chairman Puryear stated that a motion was on the floor, made by Commissioner
Long.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-2 to approve version 1-
A Resolution Regarding the Use of Mayo Lake. Vice-Chair Wilborn and Commissioner
Royster voted in opposition.
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Chairman Puryear called for a recess at 10:31 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at
10:36 a.m.
INFORMATION SECURITY PROGRAM CHARTER
Chief Information Officer Chris Puryear presented the Information Security
Program Charter to formalize Person County’s cybersecurity program, ensuring
uniformity, regulatory compliance, and enforcement across the organization, and
delegating administrative authority to the County Manager for procedures and exemptions.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adopt the
Information Security Program Charter.
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DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES UPDATES
Assistant County Manager/Human Services Director Brian Hart, Assistant Human
Services Director Ashley Stone, and Deputy Social Services Director Kristy Perry
presented the following Department of Social Services update.
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Commissioners Long and Royster voiced appreciation for improved outreach,
clarity, and community partnerships, and thanked staff for the update presented.
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LOCAL VENDOR ENCOURAGEMENT POLICY
Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton presented a Local Vendor Encouragement
Policy to promote purchasing from Person County vendors while balancing best value and
state bidding requirements (e.g., informal bidding ≥ $30,000; formal bidding thresholds
per statute). She stated that departments remain responsible for compliance under
decentralized procurement. She noted the following amendment to the policy: Add “or
immediate family member” to the conflict-of-interest sentence in Section 3 (“…owned, in
whole or in part, by a Person County local government employee or immediate family
member…”).
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adopt the Local
Vendor Encouragement Policy with the amended change effective April 1, 2026.
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FY27 BUDGET PREVIEW
County Manager Katherine Cathey reported that all departmental budget requests
have been submitted and that all departmental budget meetings have been completed. She
provided the following FY27 Budget Preview and Strategic Plan Quarterly Report.
FY27 Budget Process:
• FY27 Requests - expenditures exceed revenues by $8M (+$0.10 on the current
tax rate)
• Education Requests - 9.43% increase for PCC and 10.74% increase for PCS
• Departmental meetings are complete
• Departmental narratives, including FY26 accomplishments, FY27 objectives
and FY27 budget highlights have been drafted
• Working through a deliberate process of evaluating requests and narrowing the
gap between the current tax rate and identified needs
Current goal (subject to change) is to present a recommended budget
that maintains the FY26 tax rate
• FY27 Recommended CIP will be presented in April
Strategic Plan FY26 Q2 Highlights:
• Centennial Park - soft opening in November
• Civics Academy - completed second session
• Opioid Settlement - conducted community survey and held annual community
meeting
• Runway Extension Project - completed environmental assessment, awaiting
FAA approval
• 2025 Municipal Election - conducted election and completed canvass and final
reconciliation
• FY25 Audit Report - completed and submitted to the state by the established
deadline
• 911 Center - completed major renovation project, including a remodel of the
Operations floor and replacement of 911 consoles
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• Tropical Storm Chantal Recovery - provided assistance to the City of Roxboro
and Person-Caswell Lake Authority in their application for FEMA Recovery
Public Assistance
• Mobile Integrated Healthcare / Post-Overdose Response Team - launched
program with dedicated staff
• Government Services Building - completed roof and HVAC replacements
• Human Services Building - preparing bid documents for replacement of roof
and repairs to rear wall and windows
• Health - exploring the need for additional services, such as primary care and the
reinstatement of postpartum/newborn home visits
• 2025 Reappraisal - settled 1 additional Property Tax Commission case, with the
last 2 residential cases to be addressed shortly, leaving only 3 commercial cases
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented to the Board the applications of
interested citizens for consideration for appointment to various boards and committees,
and requested that the Board make nominations for appointment as deemed appropriate.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for each of the following: a Juvenile Defense Attorney, District
Attorney or designee, and Person County School Superintendent or designee
2 positions available for a Member of the General Public, and 1 position available for a
Citizen under the age of 21
The following application was received:
Alisa Black requests reappointment as the District Attorney or designee
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Alisa
Black to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 2-year term.
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Workforce Development Board
1-Year Initial Term; 2-Year Reappointment
2 positions available for a business and industry representative
The following applications were received:
Jody Blackwell requests appointment as an Adult Education and Literacy representative
Joshua Carver requests reappointment as a Business and Industry representative
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to appoint Jody
Blackwell to a 1-year term and to reappoint Joshua Carver to a 2-year term on the
Workforce Development Board.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear reported that he was advised by the Chamber Director that the
ribbon cutting for the Food Pantry scheduled for today has been rescheduled for next
Tuesday.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey had no report.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she attended the following:
NCACC District Meeting
• Attended a district meeting with county managers and representatives from other
nearby counties.
• Discussion revealed that many counties are experiencing the same challenges,
which was both reassuring and concerning.
Business After Hours – Museum Event
• Attended the Business After Hours event at the museum featuring the "Spark"
exhibit.
• Particularly enjoyed seeing local historical items.
• Learned that Green Jewelers invented the earring back, which was a surprising and
interesting discovery.
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Rescue Squad Check Presentation
• Attended a check presentation to the Rescue Squad alongside Commissioner Long.
• The funding came from the BMC for the replacement of a 30‑year‑old truck.
• The new vehicle will expand service capabilities and improve support to other
agencies.
Professional Development – NCEDA Conference
• Attended the NCEDA conference in a professional capacity outside of county
responsibilities.
• Positive interactions with peers, who were aware of the local area due to
Microsoft’s recent announcement.
Commissioner Thomas expressed thanks to all in attendance and advised everyone
to be safe this afternoon with the potential storms that are forecasted for the area.
Commissioner Royster stated that she served as a panelist for the National
Association of Social Workers community event, and that the panel included Senator
Sydney Batch and others, and focused on the relationship between social work and policy.
She stated that she also attended “Don’t Be Afraid to Be First,” and that the panel for that
event featured Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Justice Allison Riggs, and was held
at Meredith College. She stated as follow-up to Chairman Puryear’s comment, the Food
Pantry Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for March 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
Commissioner Long stated that he attended the Rescue Squad dedication alongside
of Vice-Chair Wilborn. He expressed appreciation to Piedmont Electric and emphasized
the importance of continued support for their efforts with the volunteer fire departments.
He reported that he and Wilborn attended the Planning Board meeting, and that progress
continues to be made on the UDO that was discussed at the previous meeting. He thanked
everyone for participating in the primary election and asked that all uniformed personnel
be kept in thoughts and prayers. He stated it was an honor to support citizens regarding the
Mayo Lake issue. He directed the following to the County Manager and restated his
position on several budget and operational priorities:
• Reducing spending by 20%.
• Reducing the tax rate for taxpayers.
• Industrial Park Funding to purchase land for an industrial park.
• EMS pay adjustments.
• Establishing a satellite EMS station near the SP Gentry store area, due to the
closure of Country Club Road at the Mega Site.
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• Addressed concerns about Veteran Services at DSS, noting nine months of
delays and emphasizing the need to complete long-promised improvements at
the DSS complex.
• Reported being approached by several individuals during the primary about
reviewing the possibility of moving away from euthanasia practices at Animal
Services. Clarified that this was simply a request he received and that he does
not yet have any additional information.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed
Sessions at 11:15 a.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 11:16 a.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter into Closed Session #1 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 Register of Deeds Lauren Horak.
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 in matters related to Hot Rock Haulers v. Person County and Person County v.
Yarboro with the following individuals permitted to attend: County Manager Katherine
Cathey, Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon, and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
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A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 11:30 a.m.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to set the Register of
Deeds salary at $79,000.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 11:32 a.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman