240313 Planning Retreat
Special Meeting – Planning Retreat – March 13, 2024
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 1:00 p.m. at the
Cooperative Extension Office, 1003 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye,
Vice-Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and
Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were Interim County Manager/Finance
Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan,
Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco.
Medicaid Expansion Update
Social Services Director Tracie Murphy and Assistant Social Services Director Heather
Thomas gave updates on Medicaid expansion. It began December 1, 2023, with the possible
addition of 12,000 – 14,000 citizens eligible for services. Twenty-two staff members were added
to handle the increased volume. With planning in advance, the Social Services team was able to
handle all the citizens that came forward in the first two months.
Mental Health – LME/MCO Update
Vice-Chairman David Allen explained that Trillium had consolidated 46 counties into one
region. Prior to the merger, Randolph County had representation on the Sandhills Center Board.
After much discussion and concern from many of the entities that are contained within the region
and have no representation on the new Board either, a Regional Advisory Board was being created.
Ann Shaw and Vice-Chairman Allen have been appointed to sit on this Advisory Board.
Social Services Director Tracie Murphy said that children with greater mental health needs are
not being served by Trillium currently. Vice-Chairman Allen stated that he informed the Chief
Operating Officer (COO) of Trillium about this concern. He also pointed out that Sandhills had
over 800 contracts with providers and Trillium had agreed to honor those. This is the transition
period for that.
Environmental Health Update
Director of Environmental Health Wayne Jones reviewed some updates to rules from the State
that had been in place since 1977. With the new rules, older structures and systems can no longer
be approved based on old rules. Commercial systems will require an engineer to certify the design.
Control panels must be installed now, not just an electrical outlet. If an older residential system
cannot be made compliant with the new rules, the homeowner can sign a waiver to accept the
deficiency.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked if there was a backlog of inspections. Mr. Jones said they are 6-8
weeks out with appointments. Two new inspectors have been recently certified to do inspections.
Chairman Frye mentioned all of the new homes being built in the Archdale-Trinity area. Mr.
Jones stated that he took a crew to meet with the builder and was able to get 18 inspections done
in one day for construction to begin on those units.
Opioid Update
3/13/24
Assistant Public Health Director Jennifer Layton started the update on the Opioid projects.
Their team consists of Leia Stiegmann, Michael McKenzie, Rebecca Carlson, and Ms. Layton.
Each person had a role in the process.
Ms. Stiegmann reported that the participants in the first round of funding were being monitored
for outcomes. The next cycle would start in 2026.
Commissioner Haywood asked about the management of the programs by the recipients of the
funds. Ms. Layton said that technical assistance and workshops could help the recipients where
needed if they were awarded funds.
Commissioner Kidd inquired about organizations wanting to apply this year. Ms. Stiegmann
said the organizations would need to join the Opioid Collaborative in 2025 to receive funding in
2026. Both Chairman Frye and Commissioner Kidd stated that the Board can award those funds
whenever they wished. Ms. Stiegmann agreed. Interim County Manager/Finance Officer Will
Massie explained that this funding is still new and they were trying to “fill in the blanks.”
Broadband Update
Cooperative Extension Director Kenny Sherin said that more money was going to be available
for broadband expansion, but the rules would be different from the GREAT Grant. With CAB
Grants, Counties can specify where the focus should be. There have been more needs identified
in some areas of the county.
Vice-Chairman Allen felt there was a need in the Liberty area and asked if it would be covered.
Ms. Stiegmann replied that there was currently no funding available for that area.
Capital Projects Update
County Engineer Paxton Arthurs reported that the Detention Center was nearing completion.
Northgate Plaza renovation for the Invictus Project would be completed in April. The Wellness
Center is complete. Public Health employees using the Business Continuity space would be moved
back once the renovations there were complete.
The Ag Center (F3EC) will have a shed and a chicken coop added to the design. Unsuitable
soils were found. The savings from Value engineering will be rolled into contingency funds and
will help to pay for the removal of the soil.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked if the unsuitable soil will be under the buildings. Mr. Arthurs
responded that it would also be removed. He added that completion is still on schedule for January
2025.
Mr. Arthurs reported on the progress of the renovations and addition of a new elevator at the
Historic Courthouse. Completion is scheduled for mid-August of this year.
Health Department renovations are now in Phase 3 of 4. This work will be for the dental areas.
3/13/24
The Northeast Human Services Building has a new sign. The last of the renovations are being
completed. Furniture will be delivered in April. Mr. Arthurs plans to meet with the Public Health
and Social Services Directors to plan an Open House.
The Emergency Services Backup 911 Center architect is beginning work on the design of the
expansion. Sampling for asbestos and lead are awaiting lab results.
The Deep River Rail Trail Sandy Creek Pedestrian Bridge will be substantially completed by
the end of May. Mary Joan Pugh, Trails Coordinator, will be planning the Ribbon Cutting. The
plans for the Bush Creek Pedestrian Bridge on this trail are complete. Hopefully, a bid can be
advertised in May or June for construction quotes.
Infrastructure Projects Update
Assistant County Manager of Operations William Johnson gave updates on the many water and
sewer projects going on though out the county. Estimates are as follows:
Waterline from the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority to Asheboro - $6.5 million
I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Project - $7 million
Ogles Creek Pump Station for Franklinville - $2 million
Ramseur Main and Pump Station Replacement - $1.5 million
The waterline from Asheboro to Wolfspeed is being designed to carry 3.3 mgd. The Eastern
Randolph Water and Sewer District will be the owner of the line once it is complete. As
municipalities hook on to this line, interlocal agreements will need to be made.
Chairman Frye stated that the company considering the economic development project JK-88
is still very interested in the I-74 Industrial Center. There is hope of an announcement in 4-5
weeks. Due to some easement issues in downtown Randleman, the Board may need to consider
condemnation.
ARPA Update
Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton gave an update on the ARPA funds. Funds must
be obligated by December 31, 2024. Funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. The
following projects are being partially or fully funded by these funds.
• EMS VIPER Tower construction
• EMS paging system
• 911 back-up center study
• I-74 Business Center sewer extension
• PTRWA connection
• Ramseur pump station, and force main improvement
• Franklinville Ogle’s Creek pump station and force main replacement
• Seagrove package treatment plant
• Broadband match
Wellness Center Update
3/13/24
Wellness Administrator Sam Varner stated that the Wellness Center is one of the top three in
the Atrium Health system. It is over 90% booked. It is already saving both employees and the
County money.
Revenue Trends
Interim County Manager/Finance Officer gave some projections for the upcoming FY 2024-25
Budget. Along with yearly fiscal factors, he suggested that the Board consider the following items:
• Effect Toyota will have on sales tax
• Population growth in the Archdale-Trinity area
• Future growth and sales tax distribution in the county
• Article 46 sales tax allocation
He highlighted some other areas that affect the Proposed Budget. The priorities he suggested
were as follows:
• Anticipated increases in retirement (no rise in health care costs)
• Cost of living adjustment for employee pay plan
• Possible market adjustments
• Consideration of new positions
• Designation of Toyota tax revenues
Vice-Chairman Allen recommended thinking about land use policies for the future along with
the noise ordinance and housing construction.
Commissioner Haywood wanted to be sure the Community Navigator positions were funded
again for FY 23-24.
Adjournment
At 4:45 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
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Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell
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Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
3/13/24