HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2026 Meeting Minutes BOC
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 3, 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, August 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.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 Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the
agenda with the addition of Recognition for Camille Clay.
RECOGNITION FOR CAMILLE CLAY
Commissioner Royster introduced and recognized Ms. Camille Clay for her
outstanding academic accomplishments:
Graduate of Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership (PECIL), class of
May 2026
Achieved a 3.957 unweighted GPA and 4.478 weighted GPA
Graduated Summa Cum Laude, ranked #2 in her class
Earned an Associate in Arts degree concurrently with high school
Served in Student Council (President and Member-at-Large)
Treasurer of National Honor Society
Completed over 120 service hours
Healthcare career interests; earned CNA certification; medical internship at Roxboro
Family Medicine; nominated for Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award
Participated in NC Governor’s School; recipient of multiple academic awards
including NC Scholars Award and Golden Laurel Award from PCC
Will attend UNC-Greensboro majoring in Nursing
Commissioner Royster announced Ms. Clay was selected as the 2026 scholarship
recipient of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials (NCABCO). A
formal luncheon will take place on August 21, 2026, during the NCACC Annual
Conference, where Clay will be recognized.
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Ms. Clay expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and recognition.
INFORMAL COMMENTS:
The following individual appeared before the Board to make informal comments:
Jordan Puryear of 2099 Gentry Ridge Road, Roxboro provided remarks expressing
concerns and questions regarding the Microsoft Data Center project in Person County.
Key points included the following:
Desire to protect local natural resources and rural character
Request for a 1–2 year pause on the project for additional community
research and transparency
Emphasized her connection to Person County and desire to protect its
environment
Stated the comments were written without AI assistance
Specific questions posed to the Board:
Impact on water supply during and after construction
Number of permanent jobs expected
Date of next public meeting regarding updates on the project
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. July 20, 2026, Minutes, Corrected
B. DSS MOU with NC Department of Health and Human Services
C. DSS Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program
D. DSS Energy Outreach Plan
E. FY27 Classification & Pay Plan
F. Person County Museum of History FY27 Funding Agreement
NEW BUSINESS:
FUNDING REQUEST FOR TAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCY TO PURCHASE
“DYKES TRACT” FOR PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION,
AND PASSIVE RECREATION
Recreation, Arts and Parks Director John Hill stated that he has been working on a
project with the Tar River Land Conservancy (TRLC) on preserving 166-acres of land in
Person County for a conservation easement. He stated that this is a great way to
accommodate the County’s obligation to the state to pay into the stormwater program.
He turned the presentation over to Derek Halberg, Executive Director with the
TRLC, who presented the following:
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Highlights from the presentation included:
• Acquisition of 166 acres on Helena-Mariah Road for watershed protection,
conservation easement, and future passive recreation access.
• Similar to the previous Mount Harmony project, where the county contributed
$50,000 from stormwater funds.
• TRLC provided background on their mission, accreditation, land preservation
efforts, and public-access trails in Granville County.
• Tar River headwaters begin in Person County, making preservation locally
significant.
• The Dykes Tract contains wooded land, tributaries of Deep Creek, and two barns
suitable for maintenance staging.
• TRLC conducted a site hike with county staff on June 25; staff expressed positive
feedback.
• Acquisition cost: Appraised at $1.7M; landowner offered a below-market sale at
$1.1M.
• TRLC reported 97% of funds already committed through Raleigh and Durham
watershed programs, private donations, and landowner concession.
• Requested County Contribution:
• $50,000 from stormwater fund balance.
• County to hold the conservation easement (required by Raleigh).
After the Tar River Land Conservancy presented the proposed acquisition of the
166‑acre Dykes Tract—along with the request for $50,000 of stormwater funds and the
county’s agreement to hold the conservation easement—commissioners engaged in a
detailed discussion.
Vice-Chair Wilborn raised a comprehensive set of concerns focusing primarily on
valuation, appraisal transparency, tax implications, and the broader economic context:
Property Value and Appraisal Discrepancies
She stated that according to county tax records, the Dykes properties were
purchased in the early 2000s for approximately $340,000.
She noted that during the most recent countywide revaluation—where many
residents complained assessments were too high—the county valued the combined
properties at roughly $735,000.
Yet, the appraisal provided to TRLC (but not yet shared with commissioners)
reportedly valued the land at $1,744,000, approximately $1 million above the
county’s valuation and over $1.4 million above the original purchase price.
She expressed concern that the appraisal may have used sales from the Moriah
Energy Center (MEC) acquisition as comparables, which inflated market values in
that area.
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Wilborn emphasized that this disproves claims that the Moriah Energy Center
harmed property values—if anything, values skyrocketed.
Tax Revenue Concerns
Vice-Chair Wilborn underscored that by placing this property under conservation
easement and nonprofit ownership, the county forfeits all future tax revenue from
166 acres.
She stressed Person County already has:
• A 280-acre park within four miles,
• An 85-acre conservation project on Mount Harmony,
• Several other conservation easements scattered across southeastern Person
County.
Restrictions on Agricultural Use
She cited language in the agreement stating agricultural uses must be approved by
TRLC.
She warned that such restrictions could limit traditional farming activities,
contradicting rural preservation arguments.
Rural Character Argument
She strongly disagreed with the agreement’s statement that development would
impair rural character:
• The property has limited road frontage (≈165 ft),
• Many types of development could align with rural character
• Rejects the notion that industrial development is not in line with rural
character; the County is going down if they do not have that tax base
Equity Concerns for Raleigh/Durham Funding
She questioned how much land Raleigh and Durham preserve within their
own counties while investing heavily in rural Person County, effectively
removing land from Person County’s tax base.
She stated that her fiduciary responsibility to the County would not allow her to
contribute public funds to a property owner that has an active lawsuit against the County.
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Chairman Puryear concentrated on the legal implications surrounding the
property’s involvement in active litigation:
Litigation Conflict
He expressed deep discomfort with using public funds to purchase land owned by
a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit against Person County.
The lawsuit challenges the rezoning approval for the Moriah Energy Center,
requiring county time, attention, and legal expenses.
Possible Conflict of Interest
He highlighted that the county would simultaneously be defending itself from this
property owner while financially participating in the owner’s land sale.
He stated this creates a “bad taste,” and suggested it would be far cleaner to revisit
the funding request only once litigation is resolved, dismissed, or withdrawn.
Commissioner Royster provided a different context and perspective, focusing on
community sentiment and landowner intentions:
Background on Community Concerns
She explained that many residents in the Helena‑Moriah area opposed the Moriah
Energy Center project because they wanted to preserve local farmland, rural
heritage, wildlife, and the community’s natural setting.
She acknowledged attending community meetings before being elected and saw
firsthand the landowner and neighbor desire to protect rural landscapes.
Link Between Lawsuit and Preservation Efforts
She argued the lawsuit itself reflects a desire to preserve land—similar to the goals
of TRLC’s conservation proposal.
She suggested the county should weigh both sides: the lawsuit stems from
landowners feeling the county did not protect rural character, while the TRLC
project aims to do exactly that.
She was sympathetic to the preservation goals and supportive of conservation in
general, though she did not dispute the validity of concerns raised by other commissioners.
Commissioner Thomas echoed concerns similar to Chairman Puryear and stated
that he also had “a bad taste” about contributing public funds to a property tied to active
litigation against the county.
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Commissioner Long had questions related to the funding and how it would be
appropriated. County Manager Katherine Cathey advised that the funding would come
from the Stormwater Fund fund balance. She stated that the money within the Stormwater
Fund needs to be spent on projects to preserve the watershed. She stated that Person
County is part of the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA), and that the
County has obligations as part of that membership, to use funding towards stormwater
projects in Person County. She stated stormwater funds must be spent regardless, possibly
even outside Person County if no local projects qualify.
Long asked how many parties are there to the lawsuit. Morphis stated that there are
more than a few. He provided the following names as party to the lawsuit: Christopher
Clayton, the estate of James Russell Dykes, by and through the executer, Bernard
Lampert, Mary Amanda Hamill, John Hoffman, Sherry Hoffman, David Thompson, and
Doris Thompson. He stated that Person County and Public Service Company of NC are
the defendants. He stated that the Dykes property is directly named as a parcel in the
lawsuit challenging the Moriah Energy Center rezoning, and the Dykes estate remains an
active plaintiff. He stated that litigation remains pending in Superior Court and the Court
of Appeals. He stated that if TRLC purchased the land, the estate may be losing standing,
but there is no legal barrier preventing the sale itself.
Chairman Puryear noted all commissioner comments had merit, and the situation
was different from the Mount Harmony project two years prior. He recommended tabling
the TRLC request for up to six months due to litigation. He stated that once litigation is
resolved or withdrawn, reconsidering the project would be appropriate and cleaner. He
emphasized that tabling the item was not equivalent to rejecting the project, but rather
pausing to avoid conflict with ongoing legal proceedings.
A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 3-2 to table this item and
funding request for up to six months, pending developments in the existing litigation.
Vice-Chair Wilborn and Commissioner Royster voted in opposition.
Vice-Chair Wilborn asked the County Manager to obtain a copy of the appraisal.
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (NCACC)
LEGISLATIVE GOAL PROPOSALS
County Manager Katherine Cathey Manager presented a draft letter summarizing
seven legislative goals identified by the Board at prior meetings.
Commissioners reviewed the draft. No changes requested.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to authorize the Chairman
to sign the letter submitting the 2027-2028 Legislative Goal Proposals to the NCACC.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Puryear announced the County Manager’s resignation and upcoming
transition process. He expressed appreciation for her service and informed the public the
Board is developing a transition plan including hiring an interim manager and beginning
the recruitment process for a permanent County Manager.
MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Katherine Cathey expressed gratitude and commitment to
ensuring a smooth transition. She stated that she enjoyed working with the Board, County
staff, and the public, and it was with mixed emotions that she submitted her resignation.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS
Vice-Chair Wilborn shared a variety of updates from regional activities, including
economic development, education, and statewide representation:
•She noted observing the delivery of the first turbine for the new Duke Energy
project, expressing optimism about the project and the economic momentum it
represents for Person County.
•She attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Zachry, held at Piedmont Community
College’s South Campus. The company is actively hiring for its new project, and
she emphasized that the positions available offer promising long-term career
opportunities for Person County residents.
•She reported that the most recent Economic Development Commission (EDC)
meeting was cancelled because the meeting’s key speaker had to withdraw due to
injury and inclement weather was forecasted for the same day. She expects new
project updates soon.
•She attended the District 8 Caucus meeting of the NC Association of County
Commissioners (NCACC), where a representative from Vance County was
installed according to the region’s rotating leadership tradition. She explained that
because her prior role on the NCACC Board was linked to her district director seat,
she will rotate off the board following the August meeting unless appointed
through another qualifying method (such as serving as a committee chair, the
NACo rep, or representing NCACC in another capacity, such as past president).
•She referenced a prior public comment she made about the concern over space
heaters being removed from county offices and publicly wanted to say thank you
for all the “cold natured people” for restoring the option for employees to use
space heaters.
•She congratulated County Manager Cathey on her new position, noting that she
had read the press release announcing Cathey’s selection from among
approximately 50 applicants and commended her for earning the role through
significant competition.
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Commissioner Thomas shared that he had watched the YouTube video
documenting installation of the Duke Energy turbine and found it impressive. He
congratulated County Manager Cathey on her next professional chapter, noting that they
began their service around the same time and expressing confidence in her future success.
Commissioner Royster offered multiple detailed updates from her participation in
national and statewide county leadership activities, as well as local public health and
youth programming:
She congratulated County Manager Cathey and wished her well in her transition to
municipal management.
She recognized GIS Director Sallie Vaughn for being appointed by the Governor
to serve on the NC Geographic Information Coordinating Council.
She reported on her experience at the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Conference, describing it as “busy, busy, busy.”
•Federal agencies are implementing stricter reporting requirements for federal
funds. Counties that fail to meet new reporting standards will risk losing federal
funding.
• She emphasized concerns specifically tied to human services and public health
programs, where additional documentation is now required.
•She noted strong national emphasis on childcare availability as a vital economic
development factor. Counties were encouraged to remember that economic
development is not strictly industrial recruitment; it also includes supporting
school systems, amenities, and childcare to ensure workforce participation.
She shared updates from the Person County Public Health Department:
•Legislative changes have removed the permitting requirement for agricultural
wells, creating policy adjustments at the local level.
• Person County has one known case of cyclosporiasis (linked nationally to iceberg
lettuce, parsley, cilantro).
She spoke extensively about data centers. At NACo she attended every workshop
offered related to data centers and held one-on-one discussions with local officials
from communities with positive and negative outcomes.
•She emphasized the need for careful, thorough planning as Person County moves
forward with Microsoft’s project.
• She particularly referenced her conversations with Mike Turner, Vice-Chair of
Loudoun County, VA Board of Supervisors, who authored a white paper on data
center development strategy based on Loudoun’s experience as the largest data
center hub in the world.
•She stated that while Person County stands to gain significant revenue, leaders
must ensure that development is conducted correctly, without sacrificing
environmental quality or the quality of life of nearby residents.
•She expressed support for pausing where necessary to avoid mistakes that other
counties reported experiencing.
She thanked community groups who provided youth programming and food access
during the summer.
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Royster shared that NACo’s newly elected president, Mecklenburg County
Commissioner George Dunlap, launched an initiative called Building Better
Futures, requiring each county to report a new youth-support initiative within the
coming year.
•She invited youth program leaders to email her at aroyster@personcountync.gov
to collaborate on Person County’s contribution to the initiative.
Commissioner Long offered multiple updates from local boards and community
events:
•He reported attending a Board of Adjustments meeting on July 2, 2026.
•He referenced updates concerning Zachry and echoed earlier remarks about
ongoing opportunities associated with the project.
•He announced that Roxboro Community School will be celebrating its 20th
anniversary on August 29, 2026 at 1 PM at the David Brooks Gymnasium. He
invited the public to attend.
•He stated that the Mayo Lake Group and Duke Energy will meet on August 4,
2026 to discuss ongoing lake-related matters.
•He reminded the public that the Purple Heart Memorial Dedication ceremony will
be held Friday, August 7, 2026 at 6 PM at the Veterans Park next to the County
Office Building. He said the memorial will be fully installed ahead of the
dedication and encouraged public attendance.
A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to enter in to
Closed Session at 7:00 p.m.
Chairman Puryear called the closed session to order at 7:07 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION #1
A motion to enter in to 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, and County
Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 7:25 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear
Clerk to the Board Chairman