Loading...
251103 Regular Meeting November 3, 2025 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular 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, Commissioner Hope Haywood, and Commissioner Lester Rivenbark 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, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Bishop Michael Trogdon 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 Major Jeff Cook retired November 1, 2025 from the Sheriff’s Office with 28 years of service. Major Cook was recognized by Sheriff Greg Seabolt, after which, Chairman Frye presented him with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Sergeant Tammy Hughes retired November 1, 2025 from the Sheriff’s Office with 18 years of service. Sergeant Hughes was recognized by Sheriff Greg Seabolt, after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure. Chairman Frye stated that the comment period would be fifteen minutes. All others would have the chance to speak after New Business. Carl Hicks, 744 Ivy Creek Dr., Randleman, said removing books limits choices. Jonathan Burris, 4362 Black Mountain Rd., Asheboro, is not happy with the outcome of the Library hearing. He feels the Library Board of Trustees is not serving the people. Rebeka Todd, 3316 Todd Hagerman Trl., Sophia, believes that the Library Board made a thoughtful decision about the library book. Susan Scott, 516 West Kivett St., Asheboro, liked the choice of the Library Board of Trustees. She saw a post from a Forsyth County pastor directing people to the Randolph County meeting. She was not happy about this. Virginia Wall, 348 Lindley Ave., Asheboro, feels that people who call themselves Christians are trying to push their views on others. She had a close friend on the Library Board of Trustees that she is honoring that person by coming to speak. Approve Agenda 11/3/25 Chairman Frye announced that New Business Item H. Consider Changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was being moved to the top of New Business On motion of Kidd, seconded Rivenbark, to approve the Agenda, as amended. Consent Agenda Commissioner Allen commented on Adoption Awareness month and encouraged citizens to adopt children that are in need. Chairman Frye read the Proclamation to honor Jerome Davis and his team. He also read the Resolution for Operation Green Light. Commissioner Haywood spoke of the DOT Resolution and explained the process for DOT to take over a street. On motion by Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2025 and Special Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2025 and October 21, 2025;  adopt Adoption Awareness Proclamation 2025, as follows: ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2025 WHEREAS, November is Nationally celebrated as ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH to express the right of every child to grow up in a permanent, secure, and loving family; and WHEREAS, caring adults can make all the difference in the lives of young people, sibling groups, children with special needs teenagers; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Department of Social Services serves nearly 140 children in substitute care who live apart from their birth families, and adoption is the permanent plan for 51 of these children; and WHEREAS, Randolph County actively promotes the timely adoption of children, and 53 adoptions have been finalized since June 2024, some of whom have special needs; and WHEREAS, children waiting for adoptive families and those families who have adopted these children require and deserve community support. Adoption Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate foster and adoptive families and spread awareness on behalf of approximately 10,900 children in foster care in North Carolina who continue to wait for a loving and permanent family. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2025 as ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH in our county, and we urge our citizens to recognize and support this observance.  adopt Proclamation Honoring Jerome Davis and the Carolina Cowboys Professional Bull Riding Team, as follows: HONORING JEROME DAVIS AND THE CAROLINA COWBOYS PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDING TEAM WHEREAS, the Carolina Cowboys were founded as one of eight original teams in the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR); and 11/3/25 WHEREAS, Jerome Davis, one of Randolph County’s hometown heroes, became the team coach in 2022; and WHEREAS, the team competed in the 2025 PBR Camping World Team Series on October 24, 25, and 26, 2025 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV ; and WHEREAS, team members include Alvaro Ariel, Cooper Davis, Alisson De Souza, Clay Guiton, Derek Kolbaba, Jess Lockwood, Kyler Oliver, Afonso Junior Quintino, Adriano Salgado, Gabriel Henrique da Silva, Daylon Swearingen, and Ethan Winckler; and WHEREAS, each bull rider contributed their own special talents to the team; and WHEREAS, Clay Guiton won the 2025 Teams Championship MVP; and WHEREAS, the Carolina Cowboys won the Championship Series. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners officially acknowledges the talents, skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and successes of the Carolina Cowboys throughout 2025 and, on behalf of our citizens, does hereby extend this expression of our pride in these prestigious milestones.  approve Firefighter's Relief Fund Appointees;  adopt Resolution for Operation Green Light, as follows: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION GREEN LIGHT WHEREAS, the residents of Randolph County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces and who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers to help former fellow service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year; and WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually and an estimated 20 percent increase will occur in the near future; and WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life and are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and WHEREAS, Randolph County wishes to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service as well as those who are already Veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare the County as a Green Light for Veterans County from November 4th through November 11th and asks citizens to display a green light at their homes and places of business.  adopt Resolution Adding Streets in the White Oaks Subdivision to the State System, as follows: 11/3/25 WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has investigated White Oaks Subdivision; and WHEREAS, Acorn Drive, Crackling Woods Lane, Timber Trail, and Sapling Way are streets that have been found to meet minimum requirements for addition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that .54 miles of Acorn Drive, .14 miles of Crackling Woods Lane, .36 miles of Timber Trail, and .11 miles of Sapling Way, the White Oaks Subdivision be added to the Division of Highway’ Secondary Road System.  approve Budget Amendment - Public Health (-$38,738), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #29 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $38,738 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $38,738  approve Project Amendment - Liberty Water & Sewer Improvement ($21,000), as follows: Liberty Water and Sewer Improvement Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Rural Water $21,000 Infrastructure Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Engineering $21,000 Rural Water & Sewer Infrastructure Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Liberty W&S Capital $21,000 Project Contingency $21,000  approve Budget Amendment - Social Services ($25,208), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #30 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $25,208 Appropriations Increase Decrease Social Services $25,208  approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($33,490), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #31 Revenues Increase Decrease 11/3/25 Restricted Fund Balance $33,490 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $33,490  consider acceptance of NC DOT Right-of-Way Purchase Offer and associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #32 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $65,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Works $65,000  reappoint Reggie Beeson, John Cable, and Ken Austin to the Randolph County Planning Board;  appoint Jonathan McCollum and Janet Imrick to the Local Emergency Planning Committee;  reappoint Bonnie Renfro to the Randolph County Social Services Board. UDO Changes On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to table the changes to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) until January 5, 2026. Transfer of Funds for the Randolph County Board of Education Dr. Stephen Gainey, Superintendent of the Randolph County School System, said on October 20, 2025, the Randolph County Board of Education authorized the transfer of $750,000.00 from the local current expense fund to the capital outlay fund. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 115C-433(d), the County Commissioners also must approve this transfer between funds. It was Dr. Gainey’s understanding that the County Commissioners should act on this request to authorize the transfer within 30 days. Dr. Gainey thanked the Board for help with this matter. These funds will allow our school system to address at one-time capital outlay project involving "the clean up and remediation of the land clearing and inert debris fill area" located on the property of Trinity High School. On motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize the request of the Randolph County Board of Education to transfer $750,000 from the Current Expense Fund to the Capital Outlay Fund. United Way ALICE Report Samantha Baker, Executive Director of Randolph County United Way, gave the ALICE report. This is a snapshot showing the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households in the county. Many people are under great financial stress. They make too much money for assistance but cannot make ends meet. Commissioner Haywood commented that there are citizens who are working and must pay for the necessities with very little left over. 11/3/25 Commissioner Rivenbark mentioned to the audience that the agenda packet is online if anyone would like to see the report. Charters of Freedom Jeff Morse, representative of Charters of Freedom, stated Foundation Forward is a NC Nonprofit 501(c)(3). They build and gift to North Carolina Counties the Charters of Freedom as displayed in the National Archived Building in Washington. Their goal is to construct a Charters of Freedom “Setting” in each of the state’s 100 counties. The setting itself and its construction are gifted to the county. Any site preparation, ancillary landscaping, pavers, walkways, etc. will be the responsibility of the County. Paxton Authors has estimated that a 37’ x 12’ concrete pad to house the setting will cost around $8,000. Chairman Frye asked about the product sustaining the weather. Mr. Morse said that one had withstood the floods from Helene. The setting only needed minor repairs. County Manager Zeb Holden said the next move would be to accept the gift. There will be some costs of a concrete surround and shrubbery. The ongoing cost would be electricity. Commissioner Allen asked if the displays are lit at night. Mr. Morse stated that was an option and his contractors can help with the installation. Chairman Frye inquired about the timeline. Mr. Morse said it was designed around the schedule of the County. th Commissioner Haywood remarked that this gift was very timely with America’s 250 year of Independence next July. County Manager Holden asked for the components of the setting. Mr. Morse responded the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution with the option of the Civil Rights Act. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to accept the gift of the Charters of Freedom “Setting” with site preparation funding to be paid by Randolph County. America 250 Update Mac Whatley, Chairman of the America 250 committee, spoke about the website being live, RevolutionaryRandolph.org. He reminded the Board that the county will be celebrating their 250 year anniversary soon after that. Trevor Nutall from the City of Asheboro has a banner program. Amy Rudisill is working with the schools to have fourth graders design a County flag. Cam Mills is working on events for July 4, 2026. Register of Deeds Reclassifications Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer said the Randolph County Register of Deeds is requesting approval from the Board of Commissioners to reclassify the Deputy positions to Deputy I, Deputy II currently and Deputy III, to implement in the near future. These proposed changes will secure a succession plan, which will focus on long-term stability, talent development, 11/3/25 and organizational resilience. This is a proactive strategy to ensure continuity of critical services and institutional knowledge. Reclassifying these positions prevents disruption and will maintain operational effectiveness when key positions become vacant due to retirements or other departures. It also creates clear career paths for existing employees, showing a commitment to their growth. This not only boosts morale and engagement, but also improves staff retention, which reduces long-term recruitment and training costs. By developing leadership from within, you ensure that future leaders are already aligned with the organization's mission and values. Succession planning directly addresses the risk of leadership gaps and talent shortages, which is particularly relevant in the public sector. This proactive approach ensures a strong leadership pipeline is always in development. Chairman Frye spoke highly of the Register of Deeds staff. He said this was an appropriate request. Vice-Chairman Kidd reinforced the comment about the staff and how friendly and helpful they are. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to reclassify the Register of Deeds positions, as presented. Sheriff’s Office Holiday Accrual Policy Chief Deputy Steven Nunn stated the Randolph County Sheriff's Office proposes a revision to the holiday accrual policy for deputy sheriffs and detention officers working shifts. Currently, these employees receive 12 hours of holiday accrual when they work on a holiday, and 8 hours when they are scheduled off. Within the personnel policy, a disparity exists as other Randolph County emergency response employees already earn 12 hours of holiday accrual regardless of whether they work on the holiday. By adopting a similar approach, our shift employees would receive an additional 24 hours of holiday accrual per year. We believe that this change will not only improve employee satisfaction but also create consistency with the County’s personnel policies. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the change to the Sheriff’s Holiday Accrual Policy, as presented Animal Control Ordinance Update Jonathan Moody, Animal Services Director, stated that Randolph County Animal Services consistently seeks ways to forward its mission and improve the services it provides, safeguarding the public and ensuring the humane treatment of animals. Starting in 2025, Animal Services started to look into other ways to improve the Public Nuisance Ordinance. He said he reached out to other counties to see how they handled Public Nuisance violations. Guilford County had the best model in their Ordinance, a Public Nuisance Order. This order will give Animal Control more ways to handle the calls for service to fix the problem instead of just writing citations and not actually fixing the issue at hand. 11/3/25 This Public Nuisance Ordinance was unanimously approved by the Animal Services Advisory Board at its October meeting and has the support of Randolph County Staff. Mr. Moody and his staff thanked the Board of Commissioners for considering this request and their continuous work to improve the lives of Randolph County Citizens and their animals. Section 3, A2i In addition to any other enforcement remedies available under this chapter, if the Randolph County Animal Services Director declares an animal to be a nuisance under this section, then the Director or appointee has the authority to order the owner to confine the animal in accordance with the Animal Services Director or appointee instruction. It shall be unlawful for the owner to fail to comply with such an order or with the instructions in the order. Commissioner Allen asked if other animals besides dogs will be subject to the Nuisance Ordinance. Mr. Moody said it will apply to all animals including livestock. Chairman Frye asked if the violations would be kept at the Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Moody stated they would be kept at the Animal Services office. He added that Sheriff’s Deputy would go with Animal Control Officers in certain situations. Chairman Frye inquired if the municipalities would also be subject to the Ordinance. Mr. Moody responded that they would if the County does the animal control for them. Commissioner Rivenbark wanted clarification about dogs in season being kept away from other animals. Mr. Moody said that is part of the State law and Animal Control must enforce it. Commissioner Rivenbark asked what excessive barking included. Mr. Moody replied that if animals are working when they bark, that behavior is excluded. If a neighbor’s dog in a lot barks constantly, that would be a nuisance. Commissioner Haywood thanked the Animal Services staff for their hard work every day. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the update of An Ordinance Governing Animal Services in Randolph County. Staley VIPER Tower Jared Byrd said as an ongoing part of the Randleman VIPER tower construction project, Randolph County will be required to make structural modifications to support additional microwave dishes and antennas on the Staley VIPER tower that will provide a microwave network path between the Mt. Shepherd tower and the new Randleman VIPER tower as well as hold paging equipment for fire and EMS users. A request for bid was issued (Bid 25-0806) in August and closed on October 7, 2025 with only two bidders. A second request for bids closed October 23, 2025 at 11:00AM to provide the 11/3/25 necessary structural modifications recommended by the engineered tower study that was completed earlier in the project. The following bids were received: Built Consulting $281,255.00 Midland Construction $378,000.00 Pittsburg Tank & Tower $521,412.00 Gen-Con Group $953,000.00 Built Consulting, LLC (DBA – Built, LLC) from Hillsborough, NC was the lowest responsive bidder. This company was also awarded the contract for the modifications to the Mt. Shepherd VIPER tower. He requested the Board of Commissioners consideration to award the bid to Built, LLC in the amount of $281,255. These funds were included in the VIPER project. At this time, no additional funding is required. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to award the bid to structurally enhance the Staley VIPER Tower to Built Consulting in the amount of $281,255. Government Shutdown Update Chairman Frye asked Director of Social Services Tracie Murphy and Director of Public Health Tara Aker to speak about the impact of the federal shutdown on programs in their departments. Tracie Murphy said citizens will receive approximately 50% of their SNAP benefits but they will arrive later than normal. Amy Rudisill posted a list for Ms. Moody on the website of community partners who help serve the citizens. th Ms. Murphy noted that Radolph County is 85 in North Carolina for public assistance. Commissioner Rivenbark remarked that the County was close to the bottom. Ms. Murphy said Randolph County is 15 spots away from the worst. Tara Aker said WIC will be funded through the end of November. Asheboro City School Board Meeting On motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to set the annual meeting with the Asheboro City School Board of Education for February 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the Professional Development Center. County Manager’s Update County Manager Zeb Holden asked to set a meeting with RCC to hear their capital needs. He reminded the audience of the election the next day. He mentioned the departments affected by an election; Elections, IT, and Public Buildings. Commissioners Updates There were no Commissioner updates. 11/3/25 Resume Public Comment Period Amanda Rivenbark, 2771 Danny Bell Rd., Asheboro, said she homeschools her children and uses the Library frequently. She doesn’t feel the Library Board of Trustees are voting for the children. She believes the Library Board should be reviewed. Jennifer Rock, 4608 Hoover Hill Rd., Trinity, supports the Commissioners reviewing the Library Board of Trustees. She was at the Library meeting but there was not a request to ban the book. She homeschools her children. She would not be comfortable with that book. Krys Gollihue, 4955 Piney Ridge Church Rd., Seagrove, has recently moved here. She volunteers at the Seagrove Library. She mentioned the Library Strategic Plan. She is not in favor of losing the Library Board of Trustees. Adjournment At 7:59 p.m., on motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd ________________________________ _________________________________ David Allen Hope Haywood ________________________________ _________________________________ Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 11/3/25