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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-2026 Meeting Minutes BOC May 4, 2026 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 4, 2026 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT Kyle Puryear Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager Sherry Wilborn Michele Solomon, Clerk to the Board Jason Thomas Nick Herman, County Attorney Antoinetta Royster Donald Long The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in regular session on Monday, May 4, 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. Commissioner Thomas offered the invocation, and Commissioner Royster led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Long requested adding two discussion items:  Hiring freeze until the FY 2026–2027 budget is finalized  Discussion on tax relief programs for residents age 65 and older Chairman Puryear declined to recognize the motion because prior notice was not provided to the Chair or staff. He requested the motion be held until the next regular meeting to allow staff preparation. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the agenda. ALS AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Chairman Puryear read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Person County, highlighting:  ALS prevalence and impact on individuals and families  Importance of public awareness, research, and advocacy  Commitment of local organizations, caregivers, and healthcare providers May 4, 2026 2 A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve the ALS Awareness Month Proclamation. May 4, 2026 3 SMALL BUSINESS WEEK PROCLAMATION Existing Industry Specialist Bryan Eatmon read a proclamation declaring the week of May 3-9, 2026 as Small Business Week in Person County, emphasizing:  Importance of small businesses to Person County’s economy  Growth statistics and local economic impact  Collaboration among local, regional, and state partners  Recognition of Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026) A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the Small Business Week Proclamation. May 4, 2026 4 May 4, 2026 5 CIVICS ACADEMY GRADUATION Public Information Officer Kim Strickland recognized and presented certificates to sixteen graduates of the spring session of the Person County Civics Academy and shared highlights of the program, including tours, educational sessions, and community engagement. Commissioners expressed appreciation for participant engagement, the diversity of ages represented, and Strickland’s leadership of the program. INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individuals appeared before the Board to offer comments: Julie Nye, 407 River Trace Drive, Rougemont spoke on matters related to the Microsoft datacenter. She voiced concerns regarding the following:  Lack of transparency during project development  Potential impacts on electricity demand  Water use in a drought‑affected region  Environmental concerns: noise, air emissions from generators, light pollution  Potential tax incentives and their effect on school funding  Request for more public disclosure and consideration of a moratorium on future data centers Hope Taylor, 1588 Jack Clement Road, Stem, Executive Director for Clean Water for North Carolina (CWFNC), voiced the following concerns:  Presented a resident‑signed letter addressed to commissioners, county attorney, and Microsoft  Requested answers to previously submitted questions about the data center  Stressed importance of transparency now that Microsoft has reportedly lifted its NDA  Stated that the public needs information on projected impacts and plans May 4, 2026 6 Ronnie Murray, 221 McGhees Mill Road, Roxboro noted his background in utilities, wastewater, and rural water systems. He voiced concerns related to the Microsoft datacenter:  Impacts datacenters have caused in other counties  Water use, heat emissions, wildlife effects, noise pollution  Potential increase in localized air temperature  Need for community‑focused decision‑making and transparency DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Vice-Chair Wilborn requested to remove Item C. Economic Development Commission Bylaws Amendment from the Consent Agenda for discussion. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to remove Item C from the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. April 20, 2026, Minutes B. Human Services Bylaws Amendment C. Economic Development Commission Bylaws Amendment D. Approval of Quitclaim Deed Transfer to Person County Board of Education DISCUSSION OF ITEM C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BYLAWS AMENDMENT Vice-Chair Wilborn proposed a revision to the EDC Bylaws-Article 5, Section 4 as follows: "The Director shall be the chief staff officer of the Commission. The Director shall be an ex-officio member of all functional and standing committees. The Director's scope of work shall be as established by the County, and shall incorporate the tasks adopted by the Commission annually in their Action Plan." A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the amendment as presented with the revision to Article 5, Section 4. May 4, 2026 7 NEW BUSINESS: PERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS FY27 BUDGET REQUEST Person County School Superintendent Dr. Rodney Peterson presented the following key items related to the FY27 Budget Request:  Funding reductions in curriculum and testing lines  Largest increase in Student Support Services, due to: o Serving 20% exceptional children (vs. 13.75% funded by state) o New group home in the county requiring specialized services  Operations increases: o Custodial contract +$43,000 o Maintenance services +$25,000 o Water quality testing contract +$38,000  Personnel increases due to projected 3% state salary raises + benefit cost increases  Request for classified staff salary study  Technology refresh for Chromebooks mandated for online assessments  Total Request: approximately $15.8 million (including charter pass‑through) Commissioner Royster asked for clarification regarding the group home. Peterson stated that the school system understands that the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) approves licenses for group homes. He stated that one located in Person County serves school-aged youth, who have been removed from their homes or who have come from youth detention. He stated these youths usually carry significant mental health needs and demand one-on-one support. He stated that the school system has designated behavioral one-on-ones for those students entering the schools. He stated currently they serve one student, remotely, with additional associated costs. There were no additional questions by the Board for Peterson. No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation for the FY27 budget request. May 4, 2026 8 PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE FY27 BUDGET REQUEST Piedmont Community College Vice President of Administration and CFO Dr. Reggie Browning presented the following on behalf of President Dr. Kevin Lee: May 4, 2026 9 May 4, 2026 10 May 4, 2026 11 Vice-Chair Wilborn asked if the growth numbers included both the Person and Caswell campuses. Browning stated yes. Wilborn asked if the funding request is only for the Person County campus. Browning confirmed that it is. There were no other questions by the Board for Browning. No action was taken by the Board, as this was an informational presentation for the FY27 budget request. May 4, 2026 12 FY27 BUDGET PREVIEW County Manager Katherine Cathey provided the following key points related to the FY27 Budget:  Manager’s Recommended Budget remains balanced at 63¢ tax rate  School operating funding increased slightly over the prior draft  School technology request reduced slightly to partially offset operating increase  Public safety salary study results pending—not yet incorporated  CIP needs further board discussion  Timeline: o May 18 – Manager’s Recommended Budget presentation o June 1 – Public hearing o June 2–12 – Budget work sessions o June 15 – Budget adoption There were no questions by the Board for Cathey. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear reported that he will be attending a meeting with the Person County School Board chair and vice-chair to discuss funding. He stated that he will be going to Raleigh to advocate for school and community college capital funding on Wednesday. MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey introduced Adonica Hampton, the new DSS Director. Cathey provided the following updates on Microsoft’s project:  Microsoft launched public-facing website with limited information  County printed copies for distribution this evening  Microsoft states they plan to use air cooling to reduce water consumption  County offered no tax incentives to Microsoft  More information expected as design progresses May 4, 2026 13 COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chair Wilborn reported the following:  On April 28, the EDC met for its monthly meeting, and welcomed two new members appointed by the Commissioners. She stated that the EDC held an officer election for chairman, following the former chair’s resignation. She stated that she was nominated and unanimously elected, and is thankful for the opportunity. She stated that they adopted an action plan that provides a basic framework to guide their focus; it is a living document that they can modify as needed. She stated that they are continuing the work that was identified in the Joint Leadership Summit and as they continue to support addressing housing needs, they are also steering their focus more towards product development for the immediate future.  On April 29, she attended a rural listening session held by members of Governor Stein’s cabinet at Vance-Granville Community College. She stated that the discussion covered topics including aging infrastructure in rural towns, workforce development needs, and the impact of housing and childcare shortages on the workforce. She stated that attendees also discussed the importance of rural healthcare systems, particularly hospitals, which connects to jail and inmate care needs. She noted that the Vance County Sheriff reported 20 vacancies in their detention center and 15 in law enforcement, and that at a Durham County event last year, their sheriff reported staffing at only about 75%. In contrast, she stated that the Person County Sheriff’s Office currently has only three vacancies in the detention center and one in law enforcement. She encouraged the Board to keep this in mind as they approach tax discussions.  On April 30, toured the Moriah Energy Center (MEC). She stated that it was fascinating to see the progress and that the investment is now cited as more than half a billion dollars. She stated that the County has received more than half a million dollars in tax revenue to date and that Enbridge has contributed over $100,000 to local nonprofits, including checks presented that day to the Timberlake and Moriah Volunteer Fire Departments. She further stated that MEC will be purchasing ~16M gallons of water from the City which will bring more than $150,000 to the City for a one-time boost to the City’s revenue. May 4, 2026 14  She attended two Chamber events: the golf tournament kickoff and the Business After Hours at Hall’s Way, which included three ribbon cuttings—Wine a Little, Otterson’s Uptown Redux, and Common Threads Fabrics. She encouraged support for local businesses, and noted that the Board earlier adopted a proclamation recognizing Small Business Week. She also mentioned that the Board recently adopted a purchasing policy prioritizing local vendors.  She stated that this week is Economic Development Week, and shared highlights of what economic developers do. She stated that more than 100,000 professionals worldwide work to create and expand opportunities for long-term community growth. She explained that economic developers connect residents, businesses, elected officials, industry leaders, and educational institutions to advance job creation, investment, and infrastructure improvements, and that their work helps build strong, resilient communities.  She stated that it is Public Service Recognition Week. She noted that public servants—federal, state, and local—play vital roles in missions fundamental to the country. She stated that they manage public lands, infrastructure, financial systems, research institutions, and regulatory frameworks, and they keep communities safe, often at great personal risk. She stated that public service is a noble calling, and this is important to remember during budget and tax discussions.  She stated that it is County Clerk Week, and recognized Person County Clerk Michele Solomon. She shared remarks from Maria Haas, President of the NC Association of County Clerks, noting that clerks are not just historians and record keepers—they are the face of county government, liaisons with the public, and often the people diffusing difficult situations. She stated that clerks maintain public trust through transparency and professionalism and expressed the Board’s appreciation for Solomon’s contributions.  She spoke regarding tax reform and stated as the Board’s appointee to the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), she receives regular updates on proposed legislation. She stated that some bills benefit local governments while others do not. She provided the example of Senate Bill 889, which would impose a one-year moratorium on revaluation in certain counties, resulting in a collective $10 million loss in public service company revenue. She stated that Person County is not included because it is not revaluing this year, but if it were, the impact would be approximately $3 million—a roughly four cent tax effect. She stated that she wanted to address tax misunderstandings that she has seen online, noting that some believe that homeowners who have paid off their mortgages should not be taxed, while others believe taxes should remain based on the original purchase price. May 4, 2026 15 She explained that property tax is “ad valorem”—based on fair market value—and funds both mandated services, such as, public safety, social services, and schools, as well as additional services—parks, libraries, zoning, economic development— are also community expectations. She stated that without taxes, essential structures and systems would not exist.  She commented on Commissioner Long’s motion that he made at the previous meeting regarding a full property tax exemption for all residents aged 65 and older. She noted that four Board members were elected by the public, while Commissioner Long was appointed by the Board, and as the person who nominated him, she feels a responsibility to speak thoughtfully about how the Board should conduct their work. She stated that the Board has already shown commitment to senior tax relief, noting that it passed a resolution supporting an act to extend the elderly or disabled property tax exclusion under House Bill 59, which is now being considered under House Bill 1181, which seeks to expand eligibility for property tax relief based on income for elderly and disabled residents. She stated that program already benefits more than 1,100 households here in Person County, reducing county revenue by roughly $550,000, when the Board voted to support expansion, they understood eligibility could double. She stated that her concern with what occurred at the last meeting was not the topic itself, but the process. She stated that topics that carry such significant financial and policy implications deserve more consideration. She stated that there were several constructive ways the conversation could have been introduced. She stated that the County Attorney could have been asked if the legality of a local exemption based purely on age was legal. She stated that the County Manager could have been asked if there was a way to track the fiscal impact, and if so, what that would be. She stated that it could have been placed on the agenda for discussion so that they could consider unintended consequences, such as, how much tax exemption would affect the county’s revenue, and how it would affect taxpayers in other seasons of life who also experience financial burdens. She stated that she thinks that Long may be over 65, and she is not there yet. She stated that broad exemptions for all residents over 65 could shift the tax burden heavily onto younger families and small businesses, incentivize an influx of retirees in an already aging workforce, extend benefits to wealthy residents, and create unintended legal or estate planning consequences. She stated that the Board owes the public thoughtful, transparent policymaking, not last-minute motions with significant consequences. May 4, 2026 16 She stated that as Commissioners they should not use their seats to dangle carrots in front of people for political purposes that they know will need to be pulled back in practice. She stated that approach ultimately does a disservice to the very people that they aim to help. She stated that the best long-term way to reduce individual tax burdens is to expand the County’s industrial tax base, which remains her priority.  She provided comments regarding Microsoft. She clarified that when the Manager says “we are working with Microsoft,” she means staff. She stated that she has had two meetings with Microsoft; in the first, the company had no plans yet, and in the second, they shared nothing beyond the press release. She stated that some water use information has been shared with the City, which is eager for new customers and regularly emphasize that it has ample capacity, even in a continuing drought. She noted that the City previously supplied Collins & Aikman, a heavy water user, and Capital Power, which used roughly 800,000 gallons per day; those customers have not been replaced, and the City is prepared to serve new users. She stated that this type of project—a major industrial investment that uses power and water, both available in abundance in Person County, is ideal for the County. She stated that it builds the tax base and helps address repeated reductions to school funding. She stated that the community must understand how all these pieces fit together and take a balanced approach. She concluded that the County cannot oppose every development, oppose taxes, and also expect expanded services, and must choose a sustainable path forward. Commissioner Thomas recognized the recent loss of three young lives in the county, and encouraged prayers and support. He praised the Civics Academy and its participants. Commissioner Royster reported the following:  Reinforced the importance of mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month and encouraged self-care for community members and public servants alike.  Echoed Commissioner Thomas and reiterated the need for prayer for the community and its young people.  Highlighted local small businesses and recent ribbon cuttings at Hall’s Way.  Shared information about Healthy Families Durham & Person County, a free program supporting expectant mothers and families with children under age 3. May 4, 2026 17 Commissioner Long reported the following:  Attended the Person County EMS Peer Review Committee meeting for the first quarter of 2026 and stated that it was very informative.  Reported that the Mayo Lake group and Duke Energy group held their second meeting, which included a boat tour to view floating dock pontoons and shoreline vegetation violations. He stated that Dr. Phillips reported good progress and that two additional meetings are scheduled for May.  Toured the Moriah Energy Center (MEC) last Thursday and stated that the project is very impressive, with about 200 workers on-site each day.  Reported that Emergency Management currently has four unfilled positions and expects five resignations soon due to employees attending medical school, moving, or pursuing other opportunities. He stated that EMS will need support addressing these staffing challenges.  Regarding Vice-Chair Wilborn’s comments about the senior tax exemption, he stated that he knew the answer to the question that he raised. He clarified that his intent was to start a discussion about cutting expenses, and noted that he has been requesting a framework for expense reductions since September—again in January, and again in March. He stated that he is trying to initiate discussion before entering the budget cycle. He noted that the budget will be presented in two weeks and expected to be adopted a few weeks thereafter, and that the Board has not examined the line items or discussed possible expense cuts. He stated that his goal was to prompt that conversation and reiterated that a broad exemption would not have been his intent. Vice-Chair Wilborn responded to Commissioner Long that he made a motion to do a broad stroke tax exemption. She stated that if that motion had been allowed to stand, and then passed, that would have been a mess. She stated that is not the way to get discussion. Chairman Puryear reminded Commissioners that the comment period is for reports, not debate. May 4, 2026 18 ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman