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250609 Outside Agencies, Fire Depts Budget June 9, 2025– Outside Agencies, Fire Departments, and Public Hearings The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman Kenny Kidd, Commissioner David Allen, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Commissioner Lester Rivenbark was absent. Also present were County Manager Zeb Holden, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube. Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) Mark Hensley, Retiring Executive Director of RSSA, and Floyd Johnson, Incoming Executive Director of RSAA, presented a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Hensley reported some statistics regarding population of those who are 65 years old and older. He listed increased costs for meals and RCATS vehicles. The RSAA Board had made a decision to use a reserve account to meet the needs of the senior population. The reserve account should not go any lower now. The funding from the Home and Community Block Grant program has not been announced at this time. RSAA has applied for new grants to fill the gaps in funding. OE Enterprises Connie Crimmins, Development Coordinator, introduced a program participant and some coworkers. She discussed the programs at OE Enterprises for their participants. She introduced Jennifer, a participant since 2014, who discussed her experiences at OE Enterprises. When asked what was important about OE Enterprises for her, she replied “money.” Ms. Crimmins spoke of the meaningful outcomes experienced by OE Enterprises participants. Commissioner Haywood asked about the rate of pay for Jennifer and her friends. Ms. Crimmins replied that at least minimum wage was paid to participants. Chairman Frye inquired about other sources of income for OE Enterprises. Ms. Crimmins said Medicaid and Federal funding were other revenue streams. Communities in Schools (CIS) Paula Owens, Executive Director of Communities in Schools, presented the events that have occurred during the year and stated statistics regarding the services offered by CIS. She discussed some grants that were able to fund initiatives for students. Boys and Girls Club Dr, William Gibson, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater High Point, said he had been on the job for a week. He introduced Quinton Louris, Chairman of the Asheboro Boys and Girls Club Board. Dr. Gibson gave statistics of the Asheboro program. He asked for additional funding to cover the loss of State funding. He thanked the Board for past funding. Randolph County Family Crisis Center 6/9/25 Stephanie Phillips, Chairman of the Randolph County Family Crisis Center Board, thanked the Commissioners for the funding. She reviewed some programs offered by Family Crisis Center. She noted that the needs were growing and will require additional funding. Ms. Phillips introduced Donna Wood, Interim Executive Director. Ms. Wood gave statistics about those served by Family Crisis Center. She also noted some new programs that were created to better serve the agency employees. There is still a search for a new Executive Director. A new Program Director position th has been filled and that individual will start July 7. Randolph Arts Guild Rose Longuillo, Director of the Arts Guild, thanked the Board for their support over the years. She asked for additional funding for a full-time dedicated Program Coordinator. In order to increase programming, an additional person will need to be hired. She gave an overview of the programs offered by the Arts Guild. Being a member of the North Carolina Arts Council gave the Guild an opportunity to give $50,000 in sub-grants to other non-profit organizations. She updated the Board on some new events for the Fall Festival. Archdale/Trinity School Tax District Stafford Cathell, Vice-chairman of the Archdale/Trinity School Tax District Board, asked for an additional $.01 on the tax rate. This would cover the addition of School Resource Officers for the schools under the Archdale/Trinity School Tax District. The requested rate would now be $.0803/$100. Randleman Fire Department Chief Brian Causey asked for a $.02 increase in the tax rate for the Randleman Fire Department. This would increase the rate from $.15/$100 to $.17/$100. He gave statistics about his department. Chairman Frye asked about the funding from the City of Randleman. Chief Causey said the Fire Department received some funding from the City and the City had agreed to build a new headquarters for the Fire Department. Chief Causey presented the housing and commercial development which is approved for construction to be located in their fire district. He explained the need for new equipment and additional personnel. A $.02 increase will only cover two additional positions. He showed call volumes that have increased each year. Commissioner Haywood asked how the taxes of Ross Stores will be distributed. Chief Causey stated that tax revenues of any property in the City limits go to the City of Randleman. Westside Fire Department Chief Recil Williamson showed a PowerPoint presentation giving information on the need for a tax increase. They are asking for a $.01 increase in their tax rate. That would take it from $.15/$100 to $.16/$100. Call volume, lack of personnel, and cost of equipment and supplies are reasons for the request of an increase. They also want to lower their rating with the Department of Insurance. He thanked the Board for their consideration of a 1 cent increase. 6/9/25 Commissioner Haywood asked about the payment of the new truck that is being built. Chief Williamson said that a portion would be paid soon. This will save the department $15,000 since they aren’t waiting to pay in full at the end of production. East Side Fire Department Chief Eric Hoffman presented a PowerPoint presentation to show the reasons for the request for a tax increase. They are requesting an increase of $.02 in their tax rate. If approved, the rate would be raised to $.17/$100 from $.15/$100. Their equipment and stations are aging. New equipment and renovations or construction of fire departments will be addressed in the future. Their immediate need is to increase personnel. Commissioner Allen asked how they were going to get personnel. Chief Hoffman said they hired uncertified people then sent them to school for all of their needed certifications. Commissioner Haywood asked if their insurance rating was a 4. Chief Hoffman agreed and said it is hard to lower their insurance rating due to the lack of commercial property in their district. Central Piedmont Fire Department Chief Gary McGee and Chief Chad Garrett presented reasons for a tax increase for the new combined department. They are asking for an increase from $.1763/100 to $.18/100. One challenge was the recommendation by a consultant to increase base pay over the next three years. Like the other departments, the cost of personnel, equipment, and building construction and renovation are part of their needs. Both Chiefs thanked the Board for their support. Level Cross Fire Department Chief David Ridgeway stated that call volume increases and personnel have been the biggest challenge for the department. They are asking for a $.03/$100 increase in their tax rate. That would take it from $.15/$100 to $.18/$100. Their starting salary is lower than most departments. The increase requested is to keep people they have now. Their equipment is also aging. He is thankful for the support of the Commissioners. He wants to maintain the level of service that citizens expect. Chairman Frye asked about growth in the district. Chief Ridgeway said there has been very little growth in the area but wants to be sure the level of service continues. Commissioner Haywood stated that their tax rate has been 15% since 2020. Commissioner Haywood stated that Franklinville Fire Department has won an award. She is very proud of their work. Chief Kyle Dixon spoke briefly of the accomplishments of his department to receive the award. He thanked the Commissioners and his Board members for their support. Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Allocation 6/9/25 Kevin Franklin, President of the EDC, gave updates for the year regarding the work done at EDC. He thanked the Board and the municipalities. This year has been more “normal” with no large project announcements. They have been able to concentrate on member outreach, business attraction, product development, marketing, and research. He said he likes that the work the EDC does supports people and communities. He is excited about new opportunities. Public Hearing Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. County Budget Public Hearing Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. Adjournment At 7:55 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd ________________________________ _________________________________ David Allen Hope Haywood ________________________________ Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 6/9/25