HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2026 Meeting Minutes BOC
April 20, 2026
1
PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS April 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 Monday, April 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 Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda.
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING RETIREE MELINDA LONG
Chairman Puryear read and presented a Resolution recognizing retiree Melinda Long
for her 20 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Person County Health Department,
commending her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve a Resolution
recognizing retiree Melinda Long.
April 20, 2026
2
April 20, 2026
3
STEWARDSHIP WEEK 2026 PROCLAMATION
Soil and Water Director Nancy McCormick read a Proclamation declaring the week
of April 26-May 3, 2026 as Stewardship Week in Person County. McCormick recognized
the importance of soil health to agriculture and natural resource conservation. She noted
participation by over 3,000 conservation districts nationwide. She stated that locally, Person
Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting community events and school programs on
soil health throughout the summer.
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve a
Proclamation declaring the week of April 26, 2026- May 3, 2026 as Stewardship Week in
Person County.
Chairman Puryear presented the Proclamation to McCormick.
April 20, 2026
4
April 20, 2026
5
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2026
Chairman Puryear read a Proclamation recognizing April 19-25, 2026 as National
Volunteer Week in Person County. The Proclamation recognized volunteers across Person
County for supporting schools, nonprofits, civic initiatives, emergency services, local
government boards and committees, and contributing thousands of hours that strengthen
community resilience and engagement.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve a
Proclamation declaring April 19-25, 2026 as National Volunteer Week in Person County.
April 20, 2026
6
April 20, 2026
7
LINEWORKER APPRECIATION DAY
Chairman Puryear read and presented a Proclamation declaring April 13, 2026, as
Lineworker Appreciation Day in Person County to Duke Energy and Piedmont Electric.
The Proclamation honors North Carolina electric utility lineworkers for maintaining,
repairing, and constructing electric and communication infrastructure under hazardous
conditions, with focus on safety standards, training, and emergency response. The Board
recognized local partners, Duke Energy and Piedmont Electric and called on the community
to support lineworkers through electrical safety and preparedness.
Vice-Chair Wilborn recognized Derby Harris, a lineman with Duke Energy, for
winning the Apprentice Overall Awards for the East Division during the Carolinas
Lineman’s Regional Rodeo, advancing him to the International Lineman’s Rodeo.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve a
Proclamation declaring April 13, 2026, as Lineworker Appreciation Day in Person County.
April 20, 2026
8
April 20, 2026
9
PUBLIC HEARING:
TEXT AMENDMENT TA-01-26- PLANNING ORDINANCE CONSOLIDATION
This Public Hearing is continued from the April 6, 2026 meeting, where it was opened
and tabled by motion until April 20, 2026.
Planning Director Nish Trivedi presented the following:
April 20, 2026
10
April 20, 2026
11
April 20, 2026
12
April 20, 2026
13
April 20, 2026
14
Trivedi stated that this consolidation would consolidate four standalone ordinances,
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Solar Energy Systems Ordinance, Ordinance
Regulating Sexually Oriented Businesses, and Zoning Ordinance limiting heights of
objects around Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County, into the Planning Ordinance as
unified articles. He stated that this is a nonregulatory consolidation, to include
formatting/structure only to update headings, numbering, capitalization, cross-references,
table of contents, remove duplicative elements, and improve legibility and administrative
efficiency.
Vice-Chair Wilborn noted several corrections that included the following:
Header corrections:
o Page 34: “Variances” spelling correction
o Section 82: “Special” spelling correction
o Section 92: “Exposure” spelling correction
o Section 158: “Zoning” spelling correction
Table of Permitted Uses: Remove reference to “Solar Energy System
Ordinance” (now incorporated via consolidation).
Acronyms: Ensure consistent capitalization (e.g., DU, SUP).
Private Road Standards: Confirmed by County Attorney, T.C. Morphis, Jr. that
this will be handled separately via future text amendment due to interpretation
changes needed.
Commissioner Long asked Trivedi if the Planning Board recommended this and if
there would be any change to the ordinance. Trivedi stated that yes, the Planning Board
voted to recommend this go before the Board of Commissioners and that there would be
no change in the ordinance, as this is only consolidating the four ordinances into one
ordinance and cleaning up the language to correct grammar and advised this is a non-
regulatory consolidation.
April 20, 2026
15
There were no individuals that appeared before Board to speak in favor of or in
opposition of Text Amendment TA-01-26, Planning Ordinance Consolidation:
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to close the duly
advertised public hearing for Text Amendment TA-01-26, Planning Ordinance
Consolidation.
CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY TEXT AMENDMENT TA-01-26,
PLANNING ORDINANCE CONSOLIDATION
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 4-1 to adopt the
amendments to the Planning Ordinance Text Amendment TA-01-26 and find it consistent
with the adopted Person County & City of Roxboro Joint Comprehensive Land Use Plan
with corrections that were noted. Vice-Chair Wilborn voted in opposition.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak during the
informal comment period.
Chairman Puryear called a recess at 9:26 a.m. due to technical difficulties related to
audio on the livestream. The meeting reconvened at 9:30 a.m.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA:
Commissioner Royster asked for context and clarification related to item “A” on
the Consent Agenda- April 6, 2026 Minutes. She stated that her vote remains the same.
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. stated that, due to general statutes, a consistency
statement is required when adopting or rejecting a text amendment. He stated that the
Board voted 5-0 to approve such a statement. He reassured Royster that she and Wilborn’s
vote was not changed, and the vote was to comply with statutory requirements. Clerk to
the Board Michele Solomon read the corrected minutes pertaining to the consistency
statement. Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed thanks to Royster for bringing this up and
indicated that she made the motion as a formality, in order to keep the meeting moving,
even though it was theoretically inconsistent with the motion that she had made
previously.
April 20, 2026
16
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda with the following items:
A. April 6, 2026, Minutes-Corrected
B. Budget Amendment #17
C. Budget Amendment #18
D. 5311 Certification Resolution
E. Six Remnant Defendants' Opioid Settlement
NEW BUSINESS:
AMERICA 250 UPDATE
Public Information Officer Kim Strickland presented the following:
April 20, 2026
17
April 20, 2026
18
April 20, 2026
19
Person County Museum of History Executive Director Carrie Currie gave more
detail on the Early America Living History Demonstration scheduled in September. She
stated that it is co-sponsored with NC Cooperative Extension. She stated that the target
audience is 300-600, and is free to the public. She stated that demonstrations included will
be blacksmithing, beekeeping, and heritage crafts. She stated that there is a pending
request for an America 250 Airstream, and that there is also a pending Duke Energy grant
in the amount of $11,000 to help with funding this event.
Bob Brauer, President of the local Master Gardener Volunteer Association, stated
that he and the association have been working with Currie and the museum to plant a
Liberty Tree. He stated that the American Hornbeam was chosen. He stated that it is a
native hardwood with dense wood, unique bark structure, and yellow fall leaf. He stated
that location of the tree would be at the museum, so that it would be accessible to the
public. He stated that there are plans for a dedication plaque and exhibit on Person County
history detailing 250 years retrospective and forward.
Commissioner Royster expressed appreciation and stated that she is excited and
looking forward to all the activities, noting strong community participation, especially
with youth interest.
April 20, 2026
20
RECYCLING CENTER UPDATE AND FEE SCHEDULE AMENDMENT
Person Industries and Person Recycling Center Director Amanda Doss presented the
following:
April 20, 2026
21
April 20, 2026
22
April 20, 2026
23
Doss provided the following updates:
Modernization Achievements:
Revolution Sort System installed (May 2025); significant operational efficiency;
equipment running smoothly.
Enhanced education/outreach reduced contamination rates; greeter station staffed
during business hours; gates close at 7:00 p.m. to prevent after-hours/overnight
contamination.
Increased throughput: now processing 100% of inbound materials (vs. ~23%
previously).
Eliminated offsite sorting (previously ~1.5 tons/month), saving approximately
$30,000 annually.
Inground scale installed to accurately capture weights entering/leaving facility;
conducting blended value studies for third-party haulers to account for commodity
mix, residue rates, and current market values.
Fee Schedule Amendment:
In-County haulers: retain flat $40/ton (below landfill tipping fee)—keeps County
competitive while supporting local partnerships.
Out-of-County haulers: adopt weight-based fees tied to blended value study results
and market prices (fluctuating).
There were no questions by the Board for Doss.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to approve the fee
schedule amendment as presented.
April 20, 2026
24
SHERIFF’S OFFICE PROGRESS REPORT/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Chief Deputy Mark Massey presented the following:
April 20, 2026
25
Chairman Puryear expressed thanks to the Sheriff, Deputy Chief, and staff for their
hard work and accomplishments.
April 20, 2026
26
PERSON COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY MEDICAL SERVICES UPDATE
AND FY27 CONTRACT
Chief Deputy Mark Massey presented the following:
April 20, 2026
27
April 20, 2026
28
April 20, 2026
29
April 20, 2026
30
April 20, 2026
31
Commissioners noted statewide focus on detention medical reform, mentioning
NCACC and NACo, and factors outside Sheriff’s control, such as court system pace
impacting length of stay. IMS affirmed statewide presence in 26 counties, that they are
only operational in the state of NC, and that they have strong responsiveness standards.
April 20, 2026
32
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve a change
in vendors for the Person County Detention Facility Medical Care from Southern Health
Partners to IMS Correctional Health Care and confirm the Boards’ commitment to
increase funding for jail medical in FY27 to cover the costs of the new contract.
Chairman Puryear called a recess at 10:28 a.m. and the meeting reconvened at
10:33 a.m.
FY 2027-2031 RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLAN (CIP)
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the recommended CIP was
presented to the Board on April 6, 2026. She stated that with the Boards approval today,
they would be indicating intent to fund this in the upcoming budget for year one only. She
stated that the remainder of the years is a plan, and it charts out the needs over the
subsequent four fiscal years. She stated that she and Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton
are available to answer questions and engage in discussion with the Board around projects
that are included in the CIP. She stated that included projects are County projects as well
as projects for Person County Schools and Piedmont Community College.
Commissioner Long asked if the Board had to approve a CIP before they actually
get into the budget numbers, as he has concerns about committing to spending money,
before full budget review. Cathey advised that the County typically sets up this process to
where they can find out what the Board would like to see in the CIP, so that they can make
sure that they have included an adequate amount of funding in the recommended budget.
She stated that that helps staff formulate the entire budget proposal. She stated that the
Board is not committed completely to funding this plan until they adopt the budget and
that there is some flexibility for making changes. She stated that it is a dynamic plan that
can be changed throughout the year as well. Chief Financial Officer Tracy Clayton stated
that she agreed with Cathey and that staff does this in a step-by-step process so that they
can get an idea of what the Board wants to do with the CIP, and staff can fold that into the
adopted budget. She stated that if the Board does this all at one time, it is going to take a
lot more of their time and dedication. She stated that the General Fund contribution is built
in, so that you will know how much will be coming out of the whole budget into this
budget. Long stated that there is no money allocated in the CIP for an industrial park,
which would expand that tax base and alleviate lowering the tax rate. Cathey stated that
there is no money for property acquisition in the CIP. She stated that funding is available
in the Economic Catalyst Fund, both in budgeted funds as well as fund balance, which the
Board may choose to use towards land acquisition in the future.
April 20, 2026
33
Chairman Puryear stated that he does not recall land acquisition being included in
the CIP. Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she is in agreement with Long. She stated that she
would be reticent to approve anything that was new or that would require additional
ongoing costs or staff support. Clayton stated that it is the custom of the Board to set a
$3.2 million limit on the CIP, and the County has stayed under that. She stated that staff
comfortably built in what can be funded through the General Fund with the adopted
budget. She reminded the Board that they are adopting the CIP as a placeholder moving
forward into the adopted budget, and if during the adopted budget they decide they want
to change things inside the CIP, they can do that as well. She stated that it is not a formal
commitment until the Board adopts the entire budget in June. She stated that it is very
difficult to form a balanced budget if you do not have an idea of what the CIP is going to
be. She stated that there are a lot of moving pieces with the CIP and how it folds into the
adopted budget. She stated that when the Board does the work sessions, and she typically
puts the calculator up on the screen, this would not be something, if the Board were to
make changes inside the CIP, that she would be able to give the Board in real-time. She
stated that she would have to take their recommendations, go back and form that budget,
and then bring it back to the Board, to show how it applies to the adopted budget, which
would mean additional work sessions. Wilborn stated that there are several new items
within Parks and Recreation that are being introduced. Puryear stated that if the Board
wanted to table this as they move into the budget session, they have the right to. He
reminded the Board that the CIP needs to be approved before approving the budget
ordinance, and that they can push this back as they get closer to doing budget work
sessions. He stated that the Board is not obligated for all the projects in the CIP, as stated
previously, these are recommended projects. Wilborn stated that she would like to hear
from John Hill, Recreation, Arts and Parks Director, about his priorities and how critical
some of these items are. Clayton stated that Hill did put everything in priority order.
Cathey stated that with Parks and Recreation, there are three projects. She stated one being
the ADA accessible playground update, athletic field pole and light replacements, and
public splash pad. Resurfacing of the tennis courts was a priority item and repair is funded
in the operating budget as an alternative to full resurfacing. Commissioner Royster stated
that she is an advocate for the splash pad and would like to see that item come to fruition.
Wilborn mentioned the General Assembly talking about capping tax levels based on local
decisions. She stated that residents are asking for more amenities and at the same time
stating they cannot afford to pay their taxes. She stated that the Board has a tough decision
to make. She stated that the focus needs to be on economic development. She stated that
the County needs the investment from Microsoft to come through to be able to obtain
more tax revenue to fund more of the things that the community wants
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to table the FY 2027-
2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for further discussion.
April 20, 2026
34
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the EDC bylaws were previously
amended to make EDC the appointing authority and to route directives from the EDC
Chair to the Director. She stated that the Economic Development Director position is
currently vacant. She requested guidance on structure, supervision, and hiring authority,
given statutory personnel responsibilities under the County Manager’s authority.
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she would like to see it move more towards private
to where private sector investment and engagement could take place. She suggested that
the County Manager be part of the Executive Committee in an ex-officio non-voting
position, and change the EDC Chairman roles to be the Executive Committee roles, where
the County Manager would always be involved in providing direction to the Executive
Director. She stated she would like to implement compensation for the Executive
Committee, excluding the County Manager and Commissioner appointee.
County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the way the general statutes are
worded in terms of the statutory authority for hiring and firing creates uncertainty around
EDC supervision. She stated that there would need to be very clear communication
channels in terms of sharing information if the day-to-day direction is coming from the
Chairman of the Executive Committee to the Executive Director. She stated that there
could be difficulty in day-to-day direction from multiple members of a board. She stated
that she does have words of caution for that particular setup.
Commissioner Royster stated that she would like to see a clearer path for
personnel, ensuring that the lines are not blurred. She stated that ultimately it would fall
back on the County Manager.
Chairman Puryear asked all members of the Board, what was their desire, to revert
to the old way before all the changes were made, and the EDC being strictly an advisory
board with the County Manager solely involved with the hiring of the director with input
from the EDC or keep it as it currently is with EDC members having authority over the
EDC. He asked each Board member if they prefer the old way or the current way with
Vice-Chair Wilborn’s recommended changes bringing in the County Manager as ex-
officio, keeping in mind that the EDC Executive Board would be the hiring authority for
the new director. Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she wished to withdraw her previous
suggestions, upon hearing the cautions from Cathey, as she is fearful that the EDC would
go back to like it was and have no purpose. She stated that she would like to see it go back
to the old way, that the BOC would be attentive, that the EDC provide feedback, and hold
the County Manager accountable through oversight.
April 20, 2026
35
Commissioner Thomas stated that he would like to go back to the old way.
Commissioner Royster stated that she would like to go back to the old way. Commissioner
Long stated he would like to go to the new way as Wilborn suggested with the EDC
Executive Committee being in charge of hiring and adding the County Manager to the
committee.
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 4-1 for the EDC to revert
back to the old way emphasizing the importance of the County Manager ensuring that the
EDC is fully involved in the process. Commissioner Long voted in opposition.
County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. asked the Board if they would like revised
bylaws added to the next meeting for adoption. Chairman Puryear stated yes.
County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that over the next two weeks she will
conduct a salary survey to determine if the position classification and salary range should
be updated according to current market and prepare a job posting and recruitment plan,
which will involve the EDC, in the process of selecting the next Economic Development
Director.
PROCESS FOR AMENDING THE PLANNING ORDINANCE
County Manager Katherine Cathey provided a summary of the current Planning
Ordinance.
She provided the following current ordinance references:
§153-2 (Initiation) currently lists: BOC, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment,
or owners/optionees/lessees.
§153-3 (Submission) referenced “or staff” in the fee exception language,
creating a discrepancy.
§153-4 (Planning Board): requires public hearing, notice, and written
recommendation to BOC within 30 days. BOC is not bound by Planning Board
recommendations.
April 20, 2026
36
Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she requested this item be added to the agenda. She
stated that she would like to see it practiced that text amendments are only brought
forward at the request of the BOC, the Planning Board, or by citizens who file an
application. She stated that she has spoken to the Chair of the Planning Board, and that the
Chair would like for it to omit the Planning Board and for the request to come from the
BOC or citizens. Wilborn stated that there have been two text amendments that came from
Planning staff, that were presented and voted on by the Planning Board, that have not been
brought to the BOC. She stated that one text amendment was about buffers and
landscaping, and the other for a technical review committee. She stated that she would like
to add the language that once something is presented to the Planning Board and they have
voted on it, that it be brought to the BOC at their next appropriate meeting, within the next
month, and can only be delayed at the request of the BOC.
Chairman Puryear stated that he is in agreement with Wilborn. He stated that if a
change is needed, it needs to be requested by a resident and not a staff member. He stated
that Planning staff should not have the authority, and should be prohibited from initiating
requests, unless directed by the BOC, or receives an application from the public. He stated
that he has spoken to several members of the Planning Board, and they feel it is not their
duty just to change things for the sake of changing them. He stated that if Planning staff
feels something needs to be addressed, they would need to come to the BOC.
Wilborn stated that there is a new practice where the items are brought to the
Planning Board for review/discussion in one month and then brought back the next month
for a vote. She stated that twice this year the meeting was not properly noticed, therefore
postponing or cancelling the meeting. She stated that she would like for the practice to be
that it is presented once to the Planning Board for review, discussion, and vote, then go
before the BOC.
Commissioner Long had concerns related to §153-2 and §153-3, and noted
discrepancy related to staff initiation for submission of petitions. He also had concerns in
reference to the fee(s) associated with applicants submitting an application, as he stated
that fee does not need to be excessive. Cathey acknowledged the discrepancy and stated
that related to the fee it is established annually during the budget process. Long stated that
staff needed to be removed from §153-3, and Cathey stated yes, that would make it
clearer.
April 20, 2026
37
Wilborn asked where does that leave the ones that have already been proposed by
staff that have not yet made it to the BOC. County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. advised if
they were truly initiated by staff, it is the Boards’ discretion if they want to have them
continue through the process.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to instruct staff to no
longer proceed with staff-initiated text amendments and to withdraw those previously
mentioned staff-initiated text amendments, and to bundle the §153-3 cleanup with the
Private Road Standards amendment into a single consolidated text amendment package for
public notice and hearing.
FY27 BUDGET PREVIEW
County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the following:
April 20, 2026
38
April 20, 2026
39
April 20, 2026
40
April 20, 2026
41
April 20, 2026
42
There were no questions from the Board for Cathey.
It was the consensus of the Board to have Person County Schools and Piedmont
Community College present budget requests at the next meeting.
April 20, 2026
43
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.
Agricultural Advisory Board
2-Year Initial Term; 4-Year Reappointment
1 position available
The following application was received:
Chip Stone requests appointment
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to appoint Chip
Stone to the Agricultural Advisory Board for a 4-year term.
Economic Development Commission
2 positions available for a member- at-large to fill an unexpired term to 6/30/26 and
6/30/27
The following applications were received:
Peter Baker requests appointment
Anita Banks requests appointment
Gordon Carver requests appointment
Bryan Cline requests appointment
Tracey Kendrick requests appointment
Mark Ramey requests appointment
Allison Satterfield requests appointment
Kyle Shotwell requests appointment
Mike Smith requests appointment
Tammy Tuck requests appointment
Camryn Wagner requests appointment
A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Allison
Satterfield and Gordon Carver to the Economic Development Commission to fill the
unexpired terms through 6/30/2027.
April 20, 2026
44
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
1-Year Initial Term: 2-Year Reappointment
1 position available for each of the following: a Juvenile Defense Attorney, 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:
Donald Daye requests appointment as a Member of the General Public
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to appoint Donald
Daye to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council as a member of the general public for a 1-
year term
Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
1 position available for the following: a Representative from Person Memorial Hospital,
and a Representative from the Department of Social Services
The following application was received:
April Spencer requests appointment as a Representative from Person Memorial Hospital
A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint April
Spencer to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee representing Person Memorial
Hospital.
April 20, 2026
45
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear stated that he attended the Department of Labor Safety Awards
Banquet held at the Homestead. He congratulated all award recipients, with special
recognition to Person County Finance and Person Industries for their achievements. He
expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Labor for attending and engaging with
local residents. He also thanked the commissioners who participated in the event.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey reminded the Board that they approved the
Volunteer Recognition Proclamation earlier that morning. She stated that copies of the
Proclamation and thank you notes will be sent to all volunteers serving on county advisory
boards and committees. She stated that a small gift will be presented to volunteers at an
upcoming meeting in appreciation for their service and the positive impact they have on
the county.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn reported on the quarterly Airport Commission meeting, which
included updates on paving projects and the runway extension. She also attended the
Safety Awards Banquet and thanked the Chamber of Commerce for their continued efforts
in hosting the event locally. Additionally, she attended the Special Olympics ceremony,
noting that the date had been moved earlier in the year due to weather considerations. She
shared that the ceremony was encouraging and well-received by participants.
Commissioner Thomas had no report.
Commissioner Royster stated that she attended the Special Olympics and had the
honor of opening the ceremony. She described the event as inspiring and noted the
excitement of cheering on participants. She announced that the Food Pantry will be open
for distribution the following day at the Timberlake Community Center, with details
available online.
Commissioner Long stated that he attended the Department of Labor Safety
Awards Banquet and echoed previous comments regarding the event. He also attended the
Chick-fil-A ribbon cutting, which had a large turnout, and welcomed the business to
Person County. He reported that the first meeting of the Duke Energy Mayo Lake property
owners was held on April 15 with the next meeting scheduled for April 28, expressing
hope for a resolution that accommodates all interests.
April 20, 2026
46
Long also raised concerns about the lack of funding in the CIP for an industrial
park. He noted that citizens have asked him to make certain motions, including a motion
that residents aged 65 and older pay no property tax.
The County Attorney advised that the agenda had already been adopted, and such
motions must be submitted for a future meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter into
Closed Sessions at 12:13 p.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 12:14 p.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 the price and other
material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by
purchase, option, exchange, or lease 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 and County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open
session at 12:50 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 12:51 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman