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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-2026 Meeting Minutes BOCSeptember 21, 2026 1 PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 21, 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, September 21, 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 Long 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. Chairman Puryear noted additional information needed to be included in Closed Session #2 regarding attorney-client privilege and requested adding the lawsuit Person County v. Yarboro. A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to add Person County v. Yarboro to Closed Session #2. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR DEPUTY NICHOLAS MARTIN Chief Deputy Mark Massey introduced Deputy Nicolas Alexander Martin, accompanied by his wife, Diana. Massey highlighted Deputy Martin’s dedication to both Person County and the United States Army National Guard, where he serves as a combat medic. Vice-Chair Wilborn read a Resolution of Appreciation Recognizing Deputy Martin’s deployment orders beginning September 30, 2026, in support of Operation Spartan Shield; he will be deployed for approximately 400 days. September 21, 2026 2 A motion was made by Commissioner Long and carried 5-0 to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Deputy Nicholas Martin. Chairman Puryear presented the Resolution to Deputy Martin and thanked him for his service. Commissioners expressed thanks to Deputy Martin and indicated that his dedication to Person County and our nation is deeply appreciated. Deputy Martin thanked the Board, Sheriff’s Office leadership, and his family. Chief Deputy Massey expressed appreciation on behalf of Sheriff Wilborn. September 21, 2026 3 September 21, 2026 4 September 21, 2026 5 PUBLIC HEARING: FY28 5311 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to open the duly advertised public hearing for FY28 5311 Community Transportation Program Application. Transportation Director Mitch Fleig provided an overview of PATS’ operations, staffing levels, annual trip counts, and vehicle fleet size. He highlighted PATS’ contribution to transportation access across the county, noting that in FY28 alone the system provided nearly 53,000 individual trips, covering more than 399,000 miles with its fleet of vans and buses. He emphasized the importance of state and federal funding in continuing to provide accessible transportation for medical appointments, senior services, employment travel, and other essential needs for Person County residents. Mr. Fleig explained that the Community Transportation Program includes both administrative and capital components, describing each in detail:  Administrative Grant Request: Total of $214,507 with a 15% local match of $32,177. This funding supports salaries, operations, compliance, and support systems critical to day-to-day functioning.  Capital/Technology Grant Request: Total of $11,200 with a 10% local match of $1,120, earmarked specifically for technology upgrades. He noted this year’s cycle did not include bus replacements, as the county’s existing vehicles did not meet state replacement criteria. He confirmed the Transportation Advisory Board had unanimously recommended submitting the application during its June 3 meeting. He stated that the request before the Board was to approve the use of local matching funds in the amount of $33,297 and authorize submission of the application to NCDOT. There were no individuals that appeared before the Board to speak in favor of or in opposition of the FY28 5311 Community Transportation Program Application. A motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and carried 5-0 to close the duly advertised public hearing for FY28 5311 Community Transportation Program Application. September 21, 2026 6 CONSIDERATION TO GRANT OR DENY FY28 5311 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM APPLICATION A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the FY28 5311 Community Transportation Program Application and the local share in the amount of $33,297. INFORMAL COMMENTS: The following individual appeared before the Board to speak during informal comment period: Patricia West of 174 Martin Hills Lane, Roxboro expressed concerns regarding environmental and water supply impacts from the proposed Microsoft Data Center Campus. She referenced issues observed in Clarksville and Boydton, Virginia, urging transparency and assurance that local wells and water supply would be protected. DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Royster requested pulling Item 8D-Resolution to Name the John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park for discussion under New Business. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items: A. September 8, 2026, Minutes B. Budget Amendment # 6 C. Budget Amendment #7 D. Resolution to Name the John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park September 21, 2026 7 NEW BUSINESS: PERSON COUNTY FARMLAND PRESERVATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Soil and Water Director Nancy McCormick presented revisions required due to NC General Statute changes, including:  Adding definitions distinguishing agricultural district types.  Adjustments to Advisory Board membership language, removing agency- nominated members.  Clarification of farm proximity requirements (recommended 2 miles).  Statute-required changes including: o Public hearings now required (not optional), o Rezoning included alongside condemnation, o Hearings must occur within 45 days, o No action may be taken by agencies until 120 days after Advisory Board’s final report.  Added authority for Soil & Water Director to administer conservation easement grants. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the amendment to the Person County Farmland Preservation Ordinance with corrections and wording clarification. ADVISORY BOARD POLICY County Manager Katherine Cathey introduced the revised Advisory Board Policy, noting that this draft had been reviewed by the Board multiple times and had undergone refinements based on commissioner feedback. She explained that the most recent changes particularly resulted from questions raised by Vice Chair Wilborn, with whom she met following the prior meeting to address specific concerns. She stated that the policy:  Establishes consistent standards for all advisory boards in Person County,  Defines expectations for operations, membership, communication, and meeting procedures,  Ensures alignment with the Board’s goals for transparency, governance consistency, and community engagement,  Consolidates existing guidance while eliminating conflicting or outdated policy language. September 21, 2026 8 With this new policy, all advisory boards will operate under one unified framework while maintaining unique board-specific policies and procedures. Key Policy Change: Remote Meetings County Manager Katherine Cathey highlighted the principal modification incorporated after commissioner feedback: remote meeting provisions. She explained the revisions: 1. Special or Emergency Meetings All advisory boards would be permitted to hold special or emergency meetings remotely or with remote participation, regardless of individual board bylaws. This ensures flexibility in urgent situations and reflects modern communication needs. 2. Regular Meetings Remote regular meetings would not be automatically authorized. Instead: o Boards wishing to hold regular meetings remotely must include remote-meeting provisions in their own policies and procedures document. o These provisions must then be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for approval. This process allows the Board to evaluate:  Whether remote meetings are appropriate for each advisory board,  Whether adequate technology and staff resources exist to ensure compliance with public meeting laws,  How remote participation might affect quorum and function. Cathey emphasized that some advisory boards—such as the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)—already utilize remote meetings due to the complexity and geographic distribution of their membership, including judges and district-level partners. She noted that Board of Health also has remote provisions in its bylaws, though they have not used them recently. She clarified that this policy does not invalidate existing bylaws, but boards will still need to submit updated policies and procedures once the new Advisory Board Policy takes effect. Implementation Timeline The policy would become effective January 1, 2027. This extended timeline:  Provides advisory boards sufficient time to review, revise, and submit their own policies and procedures,  Allows the County Administration to guide staff liaisons through the transition, September 21, 2026 9  Ensures alignment with emerging state laws, meeting practices, and county governance expectations. Additional Policy Components The policy also includes:  A requirement that all advisory boards develop a formal policies and procedures document, establishing: o Board purpose or “charge,” o Membership composition and terms, o Meeting schedules, o Officer roles, o Expected conduct, o Reporting requirements.  A standard procedure for Commissioner appointment and removal of advisory board members, consistent with broader county governance rules.  Clarification that any previously adopted resolutions or policies that conflict with this new Advisory Board Policy will be repealed once the policy becomes effective. Commissioner Royster asked for clarification regarding boards that already have remote meeting provisions, giving examples from her service on the Board of Health and JCPC. She noted that some boards had adopted remote meeting options specifically due to practical needs (such as members serving across multiple districts). Cathey confirmed those provisions would remain valid but would need to be incorporated into each board’s formal policy submission for commissioner approval. Vice-Chair Wilborn emphasized the need to avoid situations where members suddenly call in and expect remote participation without proper planning or adequate technology. Cathey advised that the policy would help ensure county staff are not burdened by last-minute requests. Commissioners agreed that every advisory board should take time to evaluate its needs regarding remote meetings and revise its governing documents accordingly. The following motion was made by Chairman Puryear and carried 5-0 to  Formally adopt the Advisory Board Policy effective January 1, 2027,  Require all advisory boards to submit aligned policies and procedures within the timeframe established by county administration,  Repeal previously adopted resolutions or policies that conflict with the new Advisory Board Policy, September 21, 2026 10  Direct county staff to implement, maintain, and periodically review the policy and recommend future updates as needed. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) CLOSEOUT REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey presented the following: September 21, 2026 11 September 21, 2026 12 September 21, 2026 13 September 21, 2026 14 September 21, 2026 15 September 21, 2026 16 September 21, 2026 17 September 21, 2026 18 Highlights from the presentation:  Person County received $7,670,470 in ARPA funding.  All funds were obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and federally considered expended as revenue replacement.  Annual expenditure reports were filed; the County is now in the final closeout phase.  Several projects were funded or partially funded, including broadband, Kirby upgrades, Register of Deeds digital imaging, emergency medical equipment leases, ADA upgrades, North Carolina Collection Room, school technology, and the detention center body scanner.  The Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corporation’s $60,000 allocation is being requested back due to project cancellation.  Remaining ARPA-designated funds: o Broadband: $964,170 o Kirby Cargo Lift: $64,664 o Airport Terminal Project: $1,500,000 o Kirby ADA Projects: $570,000 o Mattress/Tire Shredder: $506,910 September 21, 2026 19 Cathey requested Board direction regarding these reserved funds. Commissioners advised the following:  Continue Kirby ADA projects and airport terminal project.  Keep mattress/tire shredder contingent on grant funding.  Move Kirby lift $64,664 into contingency.  Broadband funding kept as unrestricted but reserved; staff will return with options for reaching remaining unserved locations (including satellite options like Starlink). RESOLUTION TO NAME THE JOHN EGGLESTON GYM AT HUCK SANSBURY PARK Commissioner Royster requested discussion to ensure transparency and address concerns received from constituents following the prior meeting. Commissioner Royster explained that during the previous Board meeting, the group proposing the naming of the gym after Mr. John Eggleston presented the resolution and informed commissioners of an estimated $6,000 cost for signage and related naming expenses. She clarified that during that earlier discussion, it had been understood — or at least perceived publicly — that the County might contribute $3,000, matching the $3,000 raised by the supporters of the naming initiative. She shared that this perception prompted significant community concern. She elaborated further, stating:  Some community members expressed frustration that the Board appeared willing to allocate County funds toward naming a gym, while simultaneously raising questions about the allocation of County resources for youth initiatives.  According to Commissioner Royster, constituents were worried about the fairness and consistency of supporting youth programs versus supporting facility naming efforts.  She emphasized that constituents “put the Board in these seats” and that their concerns warrant discussion and clarity in a public setting. She also noted her conversation with Mr. Allen, representing the group leading the naming proposal. She stated that Mr. Allen reaffirmed that the supporters of the naming initiative did not intend for the County to absorb any portion of the naming cost. She reported that he was clear and indicated that they don’t want the County to provide funds or be put in any strained financial position. September 21, 2026 20 Commissioner Royster added that her discussion with Mr. Allen helped clarify the initiative’s goals and shed light on Mr. Eggleston’s legacy in Person County. She described Mr. Eggleston as someone who dedicated himself to youth athletics, opening gym spaces, hosting recreational opportunities, and fostering community involvement — values she noted were important to acknowledge publicly. She stated her intention was not to oppose the resolution or the naming of the gym. Rather, she wanted to ensure that the public fully understood that no County funds would be used unless deliberately authorized, and that the perception of the Board subsidizing the naming effort was incorrect. She added:  The Parks and Recreation Department is already managing multiple programs and increased community demand, and she did not want this naming discussion to shift expectations onto departmental staff for new services or facility demands.  She expressed support for private citizens taking pride in raising funds to honor Mr. Eggleston, calling it “a beautiful example of community stepping forward.” Chairman Puryear acknowledged Commissioner Royster’s explanation and reiterated that transparency and clarity are important to the Board. Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that no constituents appeared at public comment during either meeting to speak against the naming, despite the issue being publicly posted and open for comment. She added that her own earlier remarks — favoring full donation funding for the project — reflected her belief that community-driven contributions are appropriate for naming efforts. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn to approve the Resolution Naming the John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park contingent upon the full $6,000 cost being raised through private donations, with no County funds used toward the naming. Commissioner Long asked County Attorney T.C. Morphis, Jr. whether he needed to recuse himself from the vote, given that Mr. Eggleston is his uncle. Morphis stated that recusal was not required because there was no financial benefit to Commissioner Long, nor any conflict, though he appreciated the disclosure. September 21, 2026 21 Hearing no further discussion, the motion was called and carried 5-0 to approve the Resolution Naming the John Eggleston Gym at Huck Sansbury Park contingent upon the full $6,000 cost being raised through private donations, with no County funds used toward the naming. September 21, 2026 22 September 21, 2026 23 RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COUNTY MANAGER Chairman Puryear introduced the item recognizing County Manager Katherine Cathey, noting that this meeting marked her final day of service with Person County. He stated it was both a privilege and an honor to present a resolution that reflects her contributions over six years in county government. Chairman Puryear read the Resolution of Appreciation, detailing Cathey’s career progression:  August 24, 2020 – October 3, 2022: Served as Assistant County Manager, demonstrating professionalism, strong organizational leadership, and dedication to public service.  October 4, 2022 – September 21, 2026: Appointed and served as County Manager, providing strategic direction, strengthening department collaboration, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources. The resolution highlighted her integrity, consistent professionalism, and her efforts to advance county operations, noting that she earned the respect and admiration of staff, elected officials, and community members. It acknowledged the lasting, positive impact of her leadership. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for County Manager Katherine Cathey. Chairman Puryear presented Cathey with the Resolution of Appreciation and a recognition plaque, inscribed with her years of service and titles held. He expressed personal appreciation for her responsiveness, steady leadership, and willingness to assist commissioners throughout her tenure. Commissioner Remarks:  Vice Chair Wilborn shared that Cathey’s leadership style, professional clarity, and responsiveness were deeply valued, adding that staff consistently spoke highly of their interactions with her. She offered best wishes and reiterated plans to visit Cathey in Oak Island.  Commissioner Thomas reflected on beginning their respective roles around the same time and commended her steadfast presence, professionalism, and guidance through challenges. He wished her well in future endeavors. September 21, 2026 24  Commissioner Royster thanked Cathey for helping her navigate the complexities of local government, noting how instrumental her advice and support had been. She emphasized her gratitude for Cathey’s mentorship and wished her continued success.  Commissioner Long noted that, despite occasional disagreements, he always respected her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the county. He joked about her being in her office late into the night, praising her work ethic and stating she would be missed.  County Attorney Morphis added that working with Cathey had been a pleasure, noting her professionalism and collaborative approach. He expressed confidence in her future success.  Clerk to the Board Solomon delivered a heartfelt message, calling Cathey both a mentor and a friend. She expressed deep appreciation for their work together and stated Cathey would be missed not only professionally but personally. County Manager Remarks: Cathey thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve and the trust placed in her, noting that Person County would always hold a special place in her heart. She spoke warmly of county staff, describing them as “like family,” and thanked her own family members for their support throughout her career. September 21, 2026 25 September 21, 2026 26 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Puryear thanked County Manager Katherine Cathey for her service and wished her the best. He commended the Veterans Council for an outstanding 9/11 Service and First Responder Monument Dedication. He offered a tribute to Dave Bradsher, “the voice of Roxboro” and expressed condolences to his family. MANAGER’S REPORT County Manager Katherine Cathey thanked the Board, staff, and community, and expressed gratitude for her time in Person County. She encouraged citizens to register to vote by October 9, 2026. COMMISSIONER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Chair Wilborn provided a detailed update on recent community events, board representation activities, and local accomplishments. She began by acknowledging the Chairman’s attendance at the Veterans Council’s 9/11 Patriot Day Service and thanked him for representing the Board with thoughtful and well-received remarks. She noted the significance of the event and expressed appreciation to the Veterans Council for organizing a moving ceremony and unveiling the First Responder Monument, which she described as “an exceptional addition to our community and a tribute to the men and women who protect us.” She reported on the Early American Living Fair held at the Person County Museum of History, sharing that staff had documented over 500 attendees, a turnout she described as “tremendous for a county-level cultural event.” She highlighted how events like this demonstrate strong local engagement and interest in preserving Person County’s historical heritage. She provided an update on the Bushy Fork Grange recognitions referenced at a prior meeting. Charles Howerton had messaged her to notify the Board that two of the Grange’s community honorees, Sergeant Mark Sharlow (Law Enforcement Officer of the Year) and Colonel Sean Bowes (Military Person of the Year), have advanced to the state- level awards and will be recognized at the statewide Grange conference. She stated that this recognition “reflects positively on our county and on the individuals who serve our community with distinction.” September 21, 2026 27 Vice-Chair Wilborn shared information reported at the recent Roxboro City Council meeting regarding water revenues associated with the Moriah Energy Center tank test. The City reported approximately $167,000 in water sales, which will fund repair or replacement of a lift station on the City system and still leave an estimated $67,000 surplus for its general fund. She described this as “a significant one-time financial benefit from a project that also supports industrial development.” She reminded the Board and the public about the upcoming Leadership Summit scheduled for October 29, noting it will be held at the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex due to auditorium availability. She encouraged participation from community leaders, organizations, and residents. Commissioner Thomas reflected on the passing of Dave Bradsher, praising his kindness and dedication, and asked for continued prayers for Margaret Bradsher. Commissioner Royster offered an expanded report focusing on community engagement, historical recognition, local housing improvements, youth athletics, and professionalism in public service. She began by reflecting on the recent dinner honoring Curtis Bradsher, Person County’s first Black County Commissioner. She described the event as “an inspiring celebration of Person County’s history and the individuals who helped shape more inclusive leadership in our community. She noted that during the event, Angie Brown shared a powerful story about her early career as an educator during segregation and integration in Person County Schools, and Avie Lester was also honored for longstanding contributions to youth development and community service. She stated that both honorees “embody service, resilience, and commitment to lifting others.” She updated the Board on discussions with the new management team at Brookwood Apartments. She stated that the new management is conducting a full inventory of units and property conditions to assess necessary improvements. She relayed that management is asking residents for patience during this transition, and she expressed optimism that these changes could lead to enhanced living conditions and greater stability for families. September 21, 2026 28 Commissioner Royster then emphasized the importance of professionalism and de-escalation for all county staff when engaging with residents. As a social worker, she shared her expertise, stating: “We represent Person County wherever we are—whether at work or in the community. When residents approach us upset or at a high emotion level, we should be the ones modeling calm, respectful, and professional interaction.” She noted she has recently worked with families experiencing stressful interactions and encouraged staff to seek guidance if needed, stating she is willing to assist departments in understanding de-escalation techniques. Lastly, she spoke with enthusiasm about the successful weekend for Person County’s youth football teams. She reported that 8U football played in Greensboro, defeating two Division II teams, and described the excitement among players and families. She recounted how the 12U team encouraged the 8U players on the field and how “a sea of Person County blue” filled the stands. She thanked Recreation Director John Hill for providing opportunities for youth athletics and noted that the community is already energized for 8U’s upcoming game at Northern. Commissioner Long began by joining his fellow commissioners in honoring the memory of Dave Bradsher, describing him as a mentor, a friend, and “the voice of Person County.” He emphasized that Mr. Bradsher’ s influence extended deeply throughout the community and that his passing leaves a significant void. He encouraged everyone to keep the Bradsher family in their thoughts, noting that Mrs. Margaret Bradsher, a respected former school board member, faces a difficult road ahead. He reported that he recently attended a Planning Board meeting, stating that he values staying informed about development matters and land-use issues that impact residents. He also attended the 9/11 First Responder Memorial Dedication, offering praise for the event’s organization and emotional resonance. He commended Chairman Puryear specifically for “rising to the occasion” and providing thoughtful remarks during the ceremony. He highlighted the impactful visual moment during the dedication when the ceremonial gun salute lit up the evening sky, noting how the muzzle flashes created an unexpected “fireworks effect” that added to the emotional significance of the event. He attended a ribbon cutting at Hillstead Farm on Shiloh Church Road, describing the event as a positive example of local agricultural entrepreneurship, rural development, and community connection. He expressed appreciation for the investment being made in the county’s agritourism and farming landscape. September 21, 2026 29 For transparency, Commissioner Long disclosed a professional matter involving his family’s business, Long Incorporated, which is a grading and paving contractor. He shared that several months ago, a large contractor that Long Inc. has historically worked with — either directly or indirectly — on major industrial projects since 2017 issued bid requests for a local project. Long Inc. submitted a quote along with other firms. He reported that last week Long Incorporated was awarded the project based solely on their quotation and qualifications through NCDOT to construct the turnaround/cul-de-sac on Country Club Road at the entrance to the former Person County Mega Site. He stated the project began that morning and clarified emphatically that “nothing happened in a dark, smoky back room,” emphasizing transparency and the absence of any conflict of interest in the procurement process. His disclosure was made to ensure full openness with fellow commissioners and the public. He concluded his report by praising the county’s Parks and Recreation Department. He thanked Recreation Director John Hill and his staff for their continued work supporting local youth programs, noting that Hill is “running one good football program.” He echoed Commissioner Royster’s remarks about 8U football’s recent successes and expressed pride in the department’s role in promoting positive youth development in Person County. EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM INTERVIEWS Chairman Puryear announced that the Board would begin the first executive search firm interview with Developmental Associates, followed by MGT at 11:00 a.m., and SGR at 12:00 p.m. SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM INTERVIEWS 1. Developmental Associates Steve Straus-President and Co-Founder Developmental Associates presented a highly structured, competency-based recruitment model emphasizing evidence-based assessment. They stressed that traditional interviews alone are not reliable for evaluating leadership roles and outlined their six-step process that includes detailed job analysis, national recruitment, structured application review, screening by retired county managers, and a multi-exercise skills assessment (writing, coaching simulation, meeting facilitation, and emotional intelligence testing). September 21, 2026 30 Developmental Associates highlighted a reported 92.1% success rate, tailored recruitment, and post-hire coaching support. They confirmed they could adjust their timeline to allow the commissioners-elect to participate in final interviews between Election Day and December 7th. During questions, Developmental Associates stated they handle several searches at a time, have deep experience placing managers in North Carolina counties, and maintain a strict ethical stance regarding confidentiality. 2. MGT Consulting Group (MGT) Sarah McKee-Senior Consultant-Human Capital Solutions MGT described their organization as a full-service public-sector consulting firm operating in strategy, human capital, technology, and cybersecurity, with executive recruitment as a major practice. Their approach focuses on aligning candidates with local government realities, emphasizing leadership style, relationships with elected officials, and public administration knowledge. They presented a dedicated recruitment team model, with a senior consultant leading the process and a national network of 20+ recruiters supporting outreach. MGT highlighted experience in North Carolina municipalities and extensive county manager searches across 11 states. Their recruitment methodology includes organizational assessment, custom brochure development, national outreach, structured one-on-one screening interviews, candidate ranking, and ongoing support through selection and negotiation. Cost estimate: $26,000 total, including advertising and background checks. MGT stated a 97% success rate in fulfilling searches within planned timelines and a 98% placement success rate overall, with approximately 77% five-year retention. They confirmed they could meet Person County’s timeline between Election Day and December 7th. They reported positive client and candidate feedback, ability to work with rural counties, and ongoing post-placement support including check-ins and help with evaluations. September 21, 2026 31 3. SGR – Strategic Government Resources Rebecca Fleury-President of Executive Recruitment Billy Owens- Senior Vice- President SGR provided a presentation focused on their philosophy as a public-sector-only recruitment firm built on a practitioner model, employing retired city/county managers and public-sector leaders. They emphasized understanding community culture and telling the “story” of the opportunity. SGR operates in 37 states and uses an extensive national network, digital marketing, a major job board (the #2 public-sector board in the U.S.), newsletters reaching 4,800+ subscribers, LinkedIn Recruiter tools, and direct outreach to identify both active and passive candidates. They reported that 47% of semifinalists in previous searches came from SGR’s direct outreach rather than job postings. Their process includes stakeholder input gathering, a 30-day national recruitment campaign, semi-finalist virtual interviews, written questionnaires, and finalist in-person interviews. SGR offers a full-service package at $29,000, which includes two on-site visits and a 12-month placement guarantee, plus a no-cost leadership retreat after placement. SGR stated a 99.9% success rate for staying on budget and schedule and highlighted strong candidate feedback due to personalized communication. They confirmed that their proposed lead recruiter currently manages five searches but stated this is manageable and supported by additional staff. They affirmed they can meet Person County’s required final interview timeframe between Election Day and December 7th. September 21, 2026 32 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to enter into Closed Sessions at 11:22 a.m. Chairman Puryear called the closed sessions to order at 11:24 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 Human Resources Director Sonya Carver. 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 the following lawsuit: Clayton 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. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 11:46 a.m. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to reclassify the Clerk to the Board/Executive Assistant to the County Manager position as a Grade 121, at mid-range. A motion was made by Commissioner Royster and carried 5-0 to go back into closed session at 11:48 a.m. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to return to open session at 12:00 p.m. September 21, 2026 33 BOARD DISCUSSION RELATED TO SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM Vice-Chair Wilborn stated that she likes Developmental Associates, LLC. She stated that they are local, and have done more rural counties across NC. She stated that the presentation that Steve Straus presented was very engaging, and that he was very familiar with the process. Chairman Puryear advised he is in agreement with Wilborn. He asked about the cost, and Human Resources Director Sonya Carver replied $27,500, and travel is not included in that figure. Commissioner Thomas stated that he is also in agreement with Puryear and Wilborn, and stated that Developmental Associates presented in person and showed up, where the other firms did not. He also did not like that the other firms did not cite any rural areas that they have assisted with. Commissioner Royster stated that she agrees with Wilborn, that Developmental Associates was more engaged, knowledgeable, and has more rural and local experience in NC. Commissioner Long stated that he also is in agreement and that Developmental Associates was more engaged and gave a good presentation. He noted the rural experience that they have is also a plus. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to move forward with Developmental Associates, LLC as the executive search form to assist with the recruitment of the next County Manager. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice-Chair Wilborn and carried 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 12:34 p.m. ____________________________ ______________________________ Michele Solomon Kyle Puryear Clerk to the Board Chairman