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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-2026 Meeting Minutes BOCJune 15, 2026 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 15, 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, June 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 215 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 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. PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Chairman Puryear read and presented a Proclamation Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. The proclamation recognized: x The significance of July 4, 2026 x North Carolina’s Revolutionary history x The contributions of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) x The organization’s ongoing efforts to preserve national heritage A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the Proclamation Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Representatives of the DAR were present to accept the proclamation and offered brief remarks thanking the Board for its support. June 15, 2026 2 June 15, 2026 3 INFORMAL COMMENTS: There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to make informal comments. 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. June 1, 2026, Minutes B. June 4, 2026, Minutes, Corrected C. Budget Amendment #21 D. Brough Law Firm Agreement E. Resolution Amending the 2026 Schedule of Regular Meetings for the Person County Board of Commissioners NEW BUSINESS: AMERICA 250 UPDATE Public Information Officer Kim Strickland and Library Director Von Yeager presented the following update: PERSON COUNTY AMERICA 250 COMMITTEE America 250 Update June 15, 2026 4 June 15, 2026 5 June 15, 2026 6 The Board thanked staff and volunteers for their significant work and community partnerships. June 15, 2026 7 FY27-31 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 FY27 projects are incorporated into the proposed FY27 budget. She stated that changes to CIP funding may require delaying adoption of the budget ordinance. Vice-Chair Wilborn expressed concern regarding the proposed splash pad project scheduled for FY27 to include: x Unfunded departmental needs x Uncertain long-term maintenance costs x Indeterminate site selection x Lack of urgency identified by Parks & Recreation leadership Commissioner Royster expressed support for retaining the splash pad in the CIP, citing: x Recreation needs for families x Community requests and expectations x Ensuring progress rather than continued delays A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 4-1 to adopt the FY27-31 CIP as presented with splash pad moved to FY28. Commissioner Royster voted in opposition. June 15, 2026 8 FY27 BUDGET ORDINANCE County Manager Katherine Cathey summarized revisions of the FY27 Budget based on the Board’s June 4, 2026 work session. She noted the following: • 1¢ property tax rate reduction (to $0.62) • Increased fund balance appropriation • Contingency fund for public safety pay study implementation • Inclusion of all seven recommended positions • Allocation of $224,000 in increased sales tax projections for public safety pay Commissioner Wilborn supported the budget but expressed concern about unfunded departmental needs. She stated that she does not love the position that the County is in; however, this is the lowest tax rate since the 90’s. Commissioner Long opposed expanding staffing and argued for fiscal restraint, raising concerns about future tax increases and long-term sustainability. He stated that he is in agreement that this is the lowest tax rate in years. Commissioners Royster and Wilborn emphasized: x DSS and Tax Office staffing recommendations came from state or third- party reviews x Mandated workloads and succession planning require added personnel x Competitive pay crucial for recruitment and retention Chairman Puryear recognized competing concerns but supported the balanced compromise. He expressed thanks to all for a responsible budget and for the productive work session. A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 4-1 to adopt the FY27 Budget Ordinance. Commissioner Long voted in opposition. June 15, 2026 9 June 15, 2026 10 June 15, 2026 11 June 15, 2026 12 June 15, 2026 13 June 15, 2026 14 June 15, 2026 15 June 15, 2026 16 June 15, 2026 17 June 15, 2026 18 June 15, 2026 19 June 15, 2026 20 June 15, 2026 21 June 15, 2026 22 June 15, 2026 23 June 15, 2026 24 June 15, 2026 25 June 15, 2026 26 June 15, 2026 27 June 15, 2026 28 NOVEMBER 2026 GO BOND REFERENDUM Clerk to the Board Michele Solomon presented statutory requirements for advancing the $107 million school bond referendum, including: 1.Resolution calling for a public hearing on July 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. 2.Publication of the notice in the June 25, 2026 edition of The Courier- Times 3.Authorization for filing of the sworn statement of debt and disclosure with the LGC A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adopt the resolution calling for a public hearing on the bond order to be heard on July 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to direct the clerk to publish the public hearing notice in the June 25, 2026 edition of The Courier-Times. A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to file the Sworn Statement of Debt and the Statement of Disclosure with the Local Government Commission (LGC). June 15, 2026 29 June 15, 2026 30 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEEES 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. ABC Board Term: 3 Years – 1 Vacancy The following applications were received: Brian Horner requests appointment Tracey Kendrick requests appointment Dale Norris requests appointment Paul Williams requests appointment A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Dale Norris to the ABC Board for a 3-year term. Animal Services Advisory Committee Term: 3 Years – 2 Vacancies The following applications were received: Renee Byrd requests appointment Carol Carter requests appointment Kay Farrell- requests reappointment A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to reappoint Kay Ferrell to the Animal Services Advisory Committee for a 3-year term. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to appoint Carol Carter to the Animal Services Advisory Committee for a 3-year term. June 15, 2026 31 Board of Health Term: 3 Years – Vacancies for: Engineer, Pharmacist, General Public Representative The following applications were received: Christopher Atkins requests reappointment for member of the General Public Anita Charnekar requests appointment as a member of the General Public Randy Eakes requests reappointment as Engineer representative Theodore Michie requests reappointment as a Pharmacist A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Christopher Atkins, Randy Eakes, and Theodore Michie to the Board of Health for a 3- year term. Economic Development Commission Vacancies: 2 General Public; 1 Minority Representative (General Public) The following applications were received: Jody Blackwell requests reappointment Bryan Cline requests appointment Latasha Lea requests appointment Kenneth Perry requests reappointment James Poindexter requests reappointment Tammy Tuck requests appointment A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Jody Blackwell, Kenneth Perry, and James Poindexter to the Economic Development Commission for a 4-year term. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Term: 1-Year Initial; 2-Year Reappointment Vacancies: Juvenile Defense Attorney, School Superintendent/Designee, Substance Abuse Professional, Non-Profit Representative, Faith Community Representative, General Public Representative, and 2 General Public Representatives under the age of 21 The following applications were received: Kelly Foti requests reappointment as a Non-Profit representative Brandi Neumann requests appointment as a member of the General Public Shawna Phelps request appointment as a member of the General Public June 15, 2026 32 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Kelli Foti to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 2-year term. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint Brandi Neumann to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council for a 1-year term. Library Advisory Board Term: 3 Years – 1 Vacancy The following applications were received: Breanne Basnight requests appointment Paul Ehresmann requests appointment Rebecca Nolph requests appointment Mary Ryerson requests appointment A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to appoint Paul Ehressman to the Library Advisory Board for a 3-year term. Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee Vacancy: DSS Representative The following application was received: Adonica Hampton requests appointment A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to appoint Adonica Hampton to the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. June 15, 2026 33 PATS Transportation Advisory Board Vacancies: Medical-Related Services representative (unexpired term ending 6/30/2027), and a General Public representative The following applications were received: Brenda Hunt-Moore requests appointment as a Medical-Related Services representative Annette Lawson request reappointment for member of the General Public A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to appoint Brenda Hunt-Moore for an unexpired term ending 6/30/2027, and to reappoint Annette Lawson to the PATS Transportation Advisory Board for a 3-year term. Person-Caswell Lake Authority Term: 3 Years – 1 Vacancy The following application was received: John Bullock requests reappointment A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint John Bullock to the Person-Caswell Lake Authority for a 3-year term. Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees Term: 4 Years – 1 Vacancy The following applications were received: Tracy Harris requests reappointment James Smith requests appointment Karen Schnell requests appointment A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Tracy Harris to the Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees for a 4-year term. June 15, 2026 34 Planning Board Term: 3 Years – 1 Vacancy The following applications were received: Robert Allen requests reappointment Samuel Martin requests appointment A motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to reappoint Robert Allen to the Planning Board for a 3-year term. Recreation Advisory Board Term: 3 Years – 2 Vacancies The following applications were received: Katie Ann Brann requests reappointment Teresa Burch requests appointment Tammy Tuck requests appointment A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reappoint Katie Ann Brann and to appoint Teresa Burch to the Recreation Advisory Board for a 3-year term. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear recognized that in the audience this morning is Leadership Person County led by the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce and asked Chamber Director Dana Blackwell if she wanted to speak on behalf of the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce. Blackwell stated that this is the second leadership class and that this group will finish in October. She stated that they will graduate and have a ceremony at the annual banquet in January. She stated that applications will be accepted in February for the April class. Puryear stated that he attended the Thomas Family Farm “Farm of the Year” ceremony. He stated that the event was well attended and expressed thanks to Nancy McCormick and all that took part in the planning and organizing of this event. He noted concerns regarding an opinionated article published by the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee and requested the County Manager develop a policy for public communications from advisory boards to ensure proper oversight. June 15, 2026 35 MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey stated that the Board approved an amendment to their regular schedule this evening to add additional dates to their meeting calendar to include July 6, 2026 for the GO Bond Referendum Public Hearing. She expressed appreciation for staff and Board during the budget process and noted upcoming strategic plan review in the next fiscal year. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she and County Manager Cathey attended County Advocacy Days last week in Raleigh. She noted concerns about the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee’s public communications and the need to review purpose and structure. She commented on the Thomas Family Farm ceremony and importance of agricultural technology and infrastructure. She expressed thanks to Nancy McCormick for her participation in the event. She expressed concerns regarding the volume and impact of public records requests on county resources and read an article from the February 6, 2011 edition of the Washington Post titled “Virginia School Officials Complain of Cost of Parents FOIA Request”. She stated that if one request in 2011 came with a price tag of $624,000, she wonders what it has or will cost Person County taxpayers in 2025 and 2026 for the 22 public records requests placed by Person County Free Press and Concerned Residents of Person County. She stated that these requests can take multiple members of upper-level staff and the county attorney to fulfill them, only for the information to be manipulated, spun, or invented to intentionally cast doubt and cause ill will. Commissioner Thomas thanked Chairman Puryear for mentioning the article by the Environmental Issues Advisory Committee and is in agreement that there needs to be some policy change. He asked for prayers for county families. He praised the “Farm of the Year” event. He expressed gratitude for budget work and staff efforts. Commissioner Royster reflected on recent gun violence in the community. She encouraged support, mentorship, and unity across the county. She reported attendance at the Tru Soul Restaurant ribbon cutting. She announced Juneteenth celebration (June 20) at Huck Sansbury. She noted that she would not be in attendance for the July 20, 2026 Board meeting due to NACo conference participation. Commissioner Long stated that he appreciated civil discussion during the budget process and that he values differing opinions expressed respectfully. June 15, 2026 36 ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 a.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman