240708 Regular Meeting
July 8, 2024
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 725
McDowell Rd., First Floor Meeting Rm.; Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman
David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner
Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Zeb Holden , Assistant 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. Chaplain Bill Hatfield from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and
everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube.
Special Recognitions
Dana Nance retired from Social Services and the Library as a Community Navigator with a
total of 22 years of service. Ms. Nance was recognized by Library Director Ross Holt, after which,
Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Damon Brown retired from Child Support Services after 17 years of service with Randolph
County and a total of 32 years of service in Child Support Services. Mr. Brown was recognized
by Chairman Frye and was also presented with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Public Comment Period
No one signed up to speak.
Consent Agenda
Chairman Frye announced that an appointment to the Aging Services Planning Committee had
been mistakenly left off. That appointment was for Robert Shackleford.
Commissioner Kidd asked that the item with the RCC Board of Trustee appointments be
removed to be considered separately.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent agenda
as amended, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2024,
Special Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2024 (2), June 6, 2024, and June 10, 2024;
approve Budget Amendment - Public Health ($3,850), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #1
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $3,850
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $3,850
7/8/24
approve Budget Amendment - Walmart Community Grant ($1,000), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #2
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $1,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $1,000
approve Budget Amendment - P Card Encumbrances ($379,875), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #3
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $379,875
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Administration $16,400
Information Technology $12,000
Tax $14,000
Elections $7,000
Register of Deeds $4,000
Public Buildings $151,000
Sheriff $32,500
Animal Services $9,000
Emergency Services $17,700
Building Inspections $4,500
Adult DRC $500
Juvenile DRC $3,000
Planning and Zoning $2,800
Cooperative Extension $9,875
Soil and Water $1,500
Public Works $2,000
Public Health $42,100
Social Services $15,500
Veterans Services $500
Child Support Services $1,000
Public Library $33,000
approve Budget Amendment - Emergency Services ($30,000), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #4
Revenues Increase Decrease
Sales and Service $30,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Emergency Services $30,000
7/8/24
approve Project Amendment #14 for the Agricultural Center ($50,000), as
follows:
Agricultural Center Capital Project
Amendment #14
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Professional Services $50,000
Construction $50,000
reappoint Tara Aker, Lisa Canoy, Melody Cummings, Mark Hensley, Ann Hoover,
Betty Hunt, W. McDuffy Johnson, Tyler Keziah, Robert Lawler, Randall Russell,
Carolyn Vickery, and Emma Washington and to appoint Robert Shackleford to the
Randolph County Aging Services Planning Committee (ASPC);
approve authorized financial institutions;
approve new item for Ambulance Fee Schedule;
adopt Resolution of Support for NCDOT Contingency Funding, as follows:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR NCDOT CONTINGENCY FUNDING
FOR ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH ROSS
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation is requesting $1.5M of contingency
funding for WBS 51525, towards the proposed roadway improvements associated with
the Ross Distribution Center located on Wall Brothers Road in Randolph County; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation seeks a resolution of support for the
funding from the Randolph County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has considered the
above-described request and is in support of the $1.5M of contingency funding for WBS
51525, towards the proposed roadway improvements associated with the Ross
Distribution Center located on Wall Brothers Road in Randolph County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of
Commissioners that it expresses its support of the above-described funding
recommended by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and request the
funding proceed as scheduled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
approve Project Amendment - Northgate Capital Project #12 ($61,648), as
follows:
Northgate Capital Project
Amendment #12
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $61,648
Transfer to Capital Reserve $61,648
Capital Reserve Ordinance
Amendment #8
7/8/24
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Northgate Capital $61,648
Project
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to General Fund $61,648
elect Chairman Frye as Voting Delegate and Vice-Chairman Allen as Alternate for
the NCACC Annual Meeting in August;
adopt Resolution by the County of Randolph, as follows:
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Act of
1987 has authorized the making of loans and grants to aid eligible units of government
in financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works, wastewater
collection systems, and water supply systems, water conservation projects; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered
a loan or grant in the amount of $249,999 for addressing PFAS compounds in Farmer
Elementary School’s drinking water system; and
WHEREAS, Randolph County Schools intends to implement said project in
accordance with state approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH:
That the County of Randolph does hereby accept the Emerging Contaminants
for Small or Disadvantaged Communities funding offer of up to $249,999,
subject to eligible costs incurred relevant to the project.
That the County of Randolph does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality that all items specified in the funding
offer – the Standard Conditions and Assurances – will be adhered to.
That County Manager Zeb Holden, and successors so titled, is hereby
authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State
agency may request in connection with such application or the project; to make
the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as
may be required in connection with the application.
That the County of Randolph has substantially complied or will substantially
comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, and
ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans
pertaining thereto.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd opposing to
reappoint James Gouty and appoint Chris Yow to the RCC Board of Trustees.
America 250 NC Committee
Cam Mills, Representative from Richard Hudson’s Office, spoke about the America 250
NC Project. He hoped the Commissioners would consider having a committee for this
celebration along with other counties in North Carolina.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution of
Randolph County Recognizing and Approving of the Randolph County Official America 250
NC Committee, as follows:
Resolution of Randolph County
7/8/24
Recognizing and Approving of the Randolph County
Official America 250 NC Committee
A Resolution of Randolph County, North Carolina, supporting the America
250 NC committee for the United States semi quincentennial (AMERICA 250 NC).
WHEREAS, Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, created AMERICA
th
250 NC to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250
anniversary of the United States and North Carolina’s integral role in that event and
the role of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future; and
WHEREAS, AMERICA 250 NC has a mission to engage ALL North
Carolinians and ALL 100 counties through their many signatures and officially
recognized programs, projects, and events over the commemoration by inspiring
future leaders and celebrating North Carolina’s contributions to the nation over the
last 250 years; and
WHEREAS, by adoption of America 250 NC’s mission, the Randolph County
Committee is officially formed to achieve the goals of America 250 NC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County of Randolph
hereby endorses AMERICA 250 NC and its mission officially establishing an
AMERICA 250 NC Committee made up of a diverse group of citizens to work with
AMERICA 250 NC on any and all activities. The roles of the Randolph County
Committee will be strictly voluntary and there will be no compensation for
participation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the
legislative delegation and the AMERICA 250 NC Committee.
Handheld Narcotics Analyser Purchase
Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton said the Randolph County Sheriff's Office is seeking to
utilize $37,066 in law enforcement restricted funds to purchase a handheld narcotics analyzer
for the Sheriff’s Office.
The global drug crisis continues to escalate, with increased trafficking of
methamphetamines, heroin, and emerging threats like fentanyl and carfentanil impacting
communities worldwide. Law enforcement officials require reliable tools to quickly identify
suspected narcotics in the field, which is crucial for keeping these dangerous drugs and drug
dealers off our streets.
The proposed handheld drug analyzer would greatly benefit the Sheriff’s office by
enabling officers to rapidly test and identify suspected narcotics during traffic stops, search
warrant executions, and other law enforcement operations. This cutting-edge technology will
significantly enhance the ability to remove illicit substances from circulation and prosecute
drug-related crimes effectively.
By investing in this critical equipment, the Randolph County Sheriff's Office can
strengthen drug interdiction efforts and better protect the community from the devastating
impacts of the ongoing drug epidemic. This investment represents a prudent and necessary
use of law enforcement restricted funds.
7/8/24
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve the
expenditure of restricted law enforcement funds, and 2) approve the associated Budget
Amendment, as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #5
Revenues Increase Decrease
Law Enforcement Restricted Funds $37,066
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $37,066
Tax Settlement FY 23-24
Tax Assessor Debra Hill gave the Annual Tax Settlement Report for the 23-24 fiscal year
as required by G.S. 105-373. She gave the following highlights of the year:
• The 2023-2024 overall collection percentage for all tax districts was 99.14% for real
estate, business and individual personal property. The collection percentage for the
County was 99.09%.
• 2023-2024 delinquent tax is $1,149,786.17. Total delinquent taxes for all years is
$2,768,557.00. These amounts include $71,514.72 due to bankruptcy. Additional
$122,205.19 uncollectable due to court appointed receivership.
• The Registered Motor Vehicle collection percentage was 99.40%. This percentage is for
the taxes at the time of tag renewal.
• The amount of discount given for early payment was $1,819,981.11. This represents
67.94% of annual taxes paid during the discount period.
• Minimal Tax Report. The total amount released for $3.50 or less original principal
amount tax bill was $6,202.17
• Total number of property tax bills for 2023-2024 was 103,248 and property taxes were
paid on 156,566 registered motor vehicles at the time of tag renewal.
• A total of 45 properties were posted for sale but only 9 were sold. The remaining were
paid before their sale date.
• The net levy was $133,937,336 and the total collections was $133,407,371.
On motions of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to charge Debra Hill to collect
the taxes for the FY 24-25.
Interlocal Watershed Agreement
Tonya Caddle, Planning and Zoning Director, said the Randolph County Planning Department
is requesting approval of a resolution to allow for the department to engage in preparing an
interlocal agreement with the City of Asheboro to help the City with watershed allocations. The
City is needing to use part of the County’s watershed allocation to help with growth pressures in
the City. The County has engaged in similar agreements with other jurisdictions as well.
The City of Asheboro’s Council has already approved this resolution. The County
Commissioner approval of this resolution will allow the development of an interlocal agreement
similar to agreements the County currently has with other jurisdictions for the City to request part
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of the County’s watershed allocation as needed. This is allowed specifically with the NC
Department of Environmental Quality who determines watershed regulations across the state.
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution Calling
for the City of Asheboro, NC to enter into Local Agreement with Randolph County, NC Regarding
the Allocation of 10/70 Option Watershed Development Acreage, as follows:
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE CITY OF ASHEBORO, NORTH
CAROLINA, TO ENTER INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
WITH RANDOLPH COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, REGARDING
THE ALLOCATION OF 10/70 OPTION WATERSHED
DEVELOPMENT ACREAGE
WHEREAS, G.S. § 160D-926 and G.S. § 143-214.5 specifically authorize local
governments to enact and enforce water supply watershed management regulations;
and,
WHEREAS, the City of Asheboro and Randolph County have jurisdiction in the
Back Creek Lake WS-II-BW and UT to Cedar Creek WS-II-BW public water supply
watersheds designated by the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City of Asheboro has adopted a water supply watershed protection
ordinance implementing the low-density development option and 10/70 option for WS-
II-BW public water supply watersheds within its jurisdiction; and,
WHEREAS, Randolph County has adopted a water supply watershed protection
ordinance implementing the low-density development option and 10/70 option for WS-
II-BW public water supply watersheds within its jurisdiction; and,
WHEREAS, G.S. § 160A-461 authorizes one or more other units of local
government in this State to enter into contracts or agreements with each other in order
to execute any undertaking; and,
WHEREAS, a local government may by joint resolution submitted and approved
by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission enter into an
interlocal agreement to allocate another local government within the same watershed
a percentage of its share of 10/70 option acreage; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Asheboro desires to protect the public health by preventing
further degradation of the public water supply watershed, while at the same time
enhancing desirable economic development consistent with the comprehensive,
strategic, and land development plans of the City of Asheboro and Randolph County;
and,
WHEREAS, Randolph County has offered an interlocal agreement establishing the
procedures whereby Randolph County can allocate to the City of Asheboro 10/70
option acreage.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Commissioners of
Randolph County that an interlocal agreement between the City of Asheboro and
Randolph County be entered into for the purpose of establishing the procedures
whereby Randolph County can allocate to the City of Asheboro 10/70 option acreage
and that the Board of County Commissioners Chairman be authorized to sign this
agreement on behalf of Randolph County Commissioners.
7/8/24
Ambulance Purchase
Chief Donovan Davis stated pursuant to G.S. 143-129 (e)(3), which authorizes the County’s
participation in a competitive group purchasing program, he requested approval to purchase two
(2) 2024 Type I FORD F450 4x4 Medix ambulances through the Savvik Buying Group contract
pricing via the competitive bidding program. He researched other competitive bids, including the
NC Sheriff’s Association, HGAC, and the NC State Contracts. Compared to other contracts,
Savvik offers the cheapest pricing. This bid was $115,656 less than the previous year.
After adding the patient compartment and specialty equipment, the most cost-effective price
that met the requirements was $325,000 per ambulance, from First Class Emergency Vehicles out
of Monroe, NC. Funds are allocated in the current Emergency Services budget, and First Class
Emergency Vehicles is an authorized dealer for the Savvik contract #2020-04, with an expiration
date of September 12, 2025.
Vice-Chairman Allen asked if these ambulances used diesel fuel. Chief Davis said they did use
diesel fuel and they may be delivered by the end of the year. The others on order from last year
have still not been received.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of two
(2) 2024 Type I Ford F450 4x4 Medix ambulances from First Class Emergency Vehicles, for the
total amount of $650,000 under the Savvik Buying Group contract #2024-04.
Position Addition and Reclassifications for Public Health
Tara Aker, Public Health Director, stated to meet the needs of the programs provided, be more
efficient in their work, and to ensure the work performed by the team members accurately aligns
with the appropriate position specifications, she requested the addition of one new position and
the reclassification of others. This includes:
Care Management Program:
Establish one NEW Social Worker II position
Reclassify one Social Worker II to Social Worker III
Reclassify one Processing Assistant III to Foreign Language Interpreter
No county funding is needed for the “care management program positions”. This program is
100% Medicaid funded.
Other positions in program areas to reclassify:
one Public Health Nurse II to Public Health Nurse III (clinic)
two Processing Assistant IIIs to Processing Assistant IVs (front desk)
two Processing Assistant IVs to Administrative Assistant Is (Env. Health)
one Public Health Educator II to Public Health Educator III (Health Promotion &
Policy)
two Public Health Educator Is to Public Health Educator IIs (Health Promotion &
Policy)
To fund the “other program areas” position reclassifications, she would like to abolish an
existing county funded Processing Assistant III position and use the funds from the position to
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cover this reclassification request. The existing position is funded in the amount of $52,730;
the amount needed to cover the position reclassifications is $36,338.
Commissioner Haywood commented on a recent study she had heard about where employees
not hired as interpreters were leaving jobs because that’s what they were being used for.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to establish one new Medicaid
funded position and reclassify the other positions, as presented.
2024-2025 Classification Plan
Jill Williams, Human Resources Director, requested approval of the 2024 – 2025 Randolph
County Classification Plan to be effective July 1, 2024 pursuant to the Randolph County Employee
Policies and Procedures Manual and in order to be in compliance with G.S. 126 provisions known
as the State Human Resources Act.
The classification plan is composed of five (5) unique tables: Emergency Services, General
Employees, Law Enforcement, Medical, and Tourism Development Authority (TDA).
Public Health requested to reclassify a Public Health Educator II position from Grade 117 to
Public Health Educator III at Grade 119, effective July 1, 2024. In anticipation of this request
being approved, the classification of Public Health Educator III has been added. Additionally, the
Environmental Health Associate classification is being added at Grade 115. This classification was
approved by the NC General Assembly in 2023 and will be part of the Environmental Health series
of job titles/classifications. There are no current plans for an employee to move into this
classification; it is being added to the plan should it be needed in the future.
Classifications that are being added, removed, or reclassified are outlined below.
GENERAL EMPLOYEE TABLE
Position Titles Added or Removed:
Add: Environmental Health Associate, Grade 115
Add: Environmental Health Program Specialist, Grade 120
Add: Soil and Water Environmental Specialist, Grade 116
Add: Public Health Educator III, Grade 119
Add: Codes Enforcement Officer – Plans Reviewer, Grade 120
Add: County Infrastructure Coordinator, Grade 126
Remove: Soil and Water Director, Grade 119
Reclassifications:
Reclassified from Reclassified to
Position Title
Grade Grade
Assistant County Manager / Finance Officer 135 136
Codes Enforcement Officer 117 119
Codes Enforcement Officer Specialist 119 120
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LAW ENFORCEMENT TABLE
Position Titles Added or Removed:
Add: Law Enforcement Forensic Examiner, Grade 165
Add: Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst, Grade 165
Add: Veterans’ Treatment Court Coordinator, Grade 169
Remove: Detention Officer / Maintenance Technician, Grade 164
Reclassifications:
Reclassified from Reclassified to
Position Title
Grade Grade
Deputy Sheriff 164 165
Deputy Sheriff I 165 166
Deputy Sheriff – School Resource Officer 165 166
Detention Officer I 163 164
Detention Officer II 164 165
Detention Officer / Maintenance Technician 163 164
MEDICAL TABLE
Position Titles Added or Removed:
Add: Deputy Medical Director
Remove: Dentist
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Classification
Plan for 24-25, as presented.
Kroger Opioid Settlement
Aimee Scotton, Associate Attorney, said last year, Attorney General Josh Stein announced that
an agreement was reached with Kroger that will require the grocery chain to pay 1.37 billion to
participating state and local governments for its role in the opioid crisis. As a result of the
settlement a maximum of approximately 40 million dollars may be coming to North Carolina state
and local governments between 2024 and 2034 to address the crisis. In April and May of this year,
North Carolina and 29 other states agreed to participate in this settlement. The settlement is only
available to states where Kroger operates under its own name or the name of a subsidiary.
Kroger has agreed to move to the next stage of the settlement process, in which local
governments in North Carolina and other participating states will be invited to join the settlement.
To maximize the funds available to North Carolina state and local governments under the
settlement, all 100 counties and all municipalities with a population of 30,000 or more must join
the settlement by August 12, 2024. Preliminary estimates from the Attorney General’s Office
indicate that Randolph County could receive up to $520,000. In addition to signing onto the
settlement itself, local governments will be asked to sign onto the Second Supplemental
7/8/24
Agreement for Additional Funds (SAAF-2), which governs the allocation, use, and reporting of
funds from the Kroger settlement.
Commissioner Kidd asked if these funds would have the same rules as the previous Opioid
Settlement Funds that have been received. Ms. Scotton said that it was her understanding that they
would. He stated that he did not want the funds since the rules kept the Board from being able to
free people from the opioid problem in their lives.
Commissioner Kidd made a motion to not opt-in to the Kroger Settlement. The motion died
with a lack of a second.
Commissioner Haywood commented that a fire chief called to say that in 2018, there were
numerous overdose calls per day and that had been reduced to a handful per week. She stated that
something is having an impact to make a difference.
Chairman Frye said the problem he had was that there was more money to allocate and no
other applications had been brought to the Board since last year.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd opposing to opt-in
to the Kroger Opioid Settlement and allow the County Manager to sign all necessary
documentation. The following Resolution outlines the process:
RESOLUTION BY THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF KROGER OPIOID SETTLEMENT AND
APPROVING THE SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR
ADDITIONAL FUNDS
WHEREAS, the opioid overdose epidemic has taken the lives of more than 37,000
North Carolinians since 2000; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the opioid overdose crisis,
increasing levels of drug misuse, addiction, and overdose death; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total
economic burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5
billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment,
and criminal justice involvement; and
WHEREAS, certain counties and municipalities in North Carolina joined with
thousands of local governments across the country to file lawsuits against opioid
manufacturers, pharmaceutical distribution companies, and chain drug stores to hold
those companies accountable for their misconduct; and
WHEREAS, a settlement has been reached in litigation against the Kroger Co.
(“Kroger”) as well as its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, and directors named in the
Kroger Settlement; and
WHEREAS, representatives of local North Carolina governments, the North
Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and the North Carolina Department
of Justice have negotiated and prepared a Second Supplemental Agreement for
Additional Funds (SAAF-2) to provide for the equitable distribution of the proceeds of
these settlements; and
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WHEREAS, by joining the settlements and approving the SAAF-2, the state and local
governments maximize North Carolina’s share of opioid settlement funds to ensure the
needed resources reach communities, as quickly, effectively, and directly as possible;
and
WHEREAS, it is advantageous to all North Carolinians for local governments,
including Randolph County and its residents, to sign onto the settlements and SAAF-2
and demonstrate solidarity in response to the opioid overdose crisis, and to maximize
the share of opioid settlement funds received both in the state and this County to help
abate the harm; and
WHEREAS, the SAAF-2 directs substantial resources over multiple years to local
governments on the front lines of the opioid overdose epidemic while ensuring that
these resources are used in an effective way to address the crisis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of
Randolph County hereby authorizes the County Manager to execute all documents
necessary to enter into opioid settlement agreements with Kroger, to execute the SAAF-
2, and to provide such documents to Rubris, the Implementation Administrator.
New Fire Department Contract
Aimee Scotton, Associate Attorney, stated earlier this year, the voting members of the
Randolph County Association of Fire Chiefs unanimously approved the formation of a committee
to review the current fire protection contract and recommended changes and updates as needed.
The committee was comprised of Associate Attorney Aimee Scotton, Fire Marshal Erik Beard,
Julian Fire Chief Cameron Shepherd, West Side Assistant Fire Chief James Lamonds, and
Randleman Fire Chief Brian Causey. The current fire protection contract was adopted by the
Commissioners and became effective July 1, 2019.
The contract committee met several times. A draft of the new contract was presented in the
packet. The differences between the proposed draft and the current contract are as follows:
Section A:
Paragraph 1 – Removed language regarding the fifteen-cent cap on the tax rate since all
districts have been reformed to eliminate this cap.
Paragraph 7 – Changed the notice requirement for provision of on-site ambulance for
controlled burns from 15 to 10 days.
Paragraph 8 – Removed entirely.
Section B:
Paragraph 1 – Updated to reference the correct State office that oversees fire protection.
Paragraph 2 – Changed minimum insurance rating from 9S to 7/9E and provides two years for
a department to reach this minimum rating.
Paragraph 3 – New paragraph. If a department falls below the 7/9E rating, it has 60 days to
present the County with a corrective action plan to reach said rating.
Paragraph 5 – Added rescue or first responder services to list of services a department may
contract to provide for other agencies.
Paragraph 7 – Updated office at State level that oversees fire protection and changed “shall”
to “may” regarding the suspension of tax remittals.
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Paragraph 11 – Added a provision allowing the County to grant a time extension for the
provision of an audit when the department has made certain good faith efforts to produce the
audit in a timely fashion.
Paragraph 17 – New paragraph. Added to require background checks for certain personnel in
accordance with statutory requirements.
Section C:
Paragraph 3 – Removed specific provisions regarding breach of contract and changed “shall”
to “may” regarding the suspension of tax remittals.
All references to the Fire Service Advisory Council were removed throughout the document.
Chairman Frye commented that the Commissioners had been attending the Fire Chiefs’
Association Meetings for the last year. The changes to the contract were brought up by the chiefs
during the meetings. All of the departments were aware of the rate changes and put on notice. He
asked if they were given a grace period. Ms. Scotton replied that they were.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the new Fire
Department contracts, as presented.
I-74 Site Development
Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, stated the Board of County
Commissioners established a capital project budget for the I-74 Industrial Center site development.
The road improvements needed at the site are currently being designed by NCDOT and are
expected to cost around $3 million. The County has been awarded a $400,000 Golden LEAF
grant, with state and company funding covering the remainder.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) accept the grant, 2)
designate William Massie as the Authorized Representative for all documentation, and 3) approve
the associated Project Amendment, as follows:
Site Development Capital Project Ordinance
Project Amendment #20
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $400,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
I-74 Industrial Center – Road $400,000
Improvements
County Manager’s Update
Zeb Holden, County Manager, had no updates.
Commissioner Updates
Chairman Frye stated that the national and state conferences were coming up.
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Vice-chairman Allen said that the Legislature passed a Bill that dissolved the Trillium Board
and allows the Secretary of Health Cody Kinsley to step in and appoint a new Board since the
previous one has been so dysfunctional.
Commissioner Haywood reminded the citizens that Passports were available at the Register of
Deeds.
Adjournment
At 7:30 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen
________________________________ _________________________________
Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell
________________________________ _________________________________
Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
7/8/24