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251201 Regular Meeting December 1, 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. Pastor Michael Mabe with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube. Reorganization of the Board On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to elect Darrell Frye as Chairman. On motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 5-0 to elect Kenny Kidd as Vice- Chairman. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to make the following appointments:  appoint Ben Morgan as County Attorney;  appoint Dana Crisco as Clerk to the Board;  appoint Hope Haywood as Representative to the Board of Health;  appoint Lester Rivenbark as Representative to the Social Services Board;  appoint Darrell Frye as Representative to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);  appoint Lester Rivenbark as Alternate to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);  appoint Kenny Kidd as Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;  appoint Hope Haywood as Representative to the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO);  appoint Lester Rivenbark as Alternate to the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO);  appoint Darrell Frye as Delegate to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council;  appoint Darrell Frye as Representative to the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation;  appoint Kenny Kidd as Tourism Development Authority Liaison;  appoint David Allen as Representative to Trillium Health Resources Regional Advisory Board;  appoint Hope Haywood as Corporate-Municipalities Wellness Coalition and Healthy Communities Liaison;  appoint David Allen as Voluntary Ag District Board Liaison;  appoint David Allen as Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation Liaison (PTRDC); 12/1/25  appoint Kenny Kidd as the Chairman of the Animal Services Advisory Board;  appoint Hope Haywood as the representative to the Piedmont Triad Eastern Piedmont NC Home Consortium. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after fifteen minutes. Any speakers left on the list could stay and speak after business was conducted. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure. Tim Saunders, 516 W. Kivett St., Asheboro, thanked the ladies at the Elections Department. Melissa Kirstner and her staff are diligent to make each election fair. He urged the Board to give them the funding they need. Bob Morrison, 1735 Viewmont Ct., Asheboro, asked people to treat others as you wish to be treated. He urged parents to do their jobs and watch their children. Dr. Charles Egerton, 642 Parkview St., Asheboro, was a photography professor at the community college. He met people with different religious ideas. Everyone listened to one another even if they had different beliefs. Isaac Hoffman, 682 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, stated that he is part of a neighborhood group that is tired of the shooting at the TASC Gun Range. The club has money and they should put up barriers. Approve Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Agenda, as amended, as follows: Consent Item C has been pulled for separate consideration; New Business Item F has been removed from the agenda. Consent Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025;  reappoint Danielle Corona, Dr. Carri Hampton, and Dr. Amy Williams to the Randolph County Board of Health;  adopt Resolution to Remove Plat Officers for Randolph County, as follows: RESOLUTION REMOVING REVIEW OFFICERS FOR PLAT REVIEW Randolph County Planning Office WHEREAS, the NCGS § 47-30.2 requires the Board of County Commissioners in each county, by resolution, to appoint persons to serve as Plat Review Officers to review each plat before it is presented to the Register of Deeds for recording; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the County or municipalities may replace persons designated to perform all responsibilities as required for Plat Review Officers; and 12/1/25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, effective December 1, 2025, that the following individuals have been removed as designated Plat Review Officers for the Randolph County Planning Office: Hal Johnson, Jill Wood, Jay Dale, and Tonya Caddle. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution removing the Plat Review Officers for the Randolph County Planning Office be recorded in the Randolph County Register of Deeds Office.  adopt resolution to add Plat Officer for the City of Archdale, as follows: RESOLUTION APPROVING REVIEW OFFICER FOR PLAT REVIEW City of Archdale WHEREAS, the NCGS § 47-30.2 requires the Board of County Commissioners in each county, by resolution, to appoint persons to serve as Plat Review Officers to review each plat before it is presented to the Register of Deeds for recording; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the County or municipalities may replace persons designated to perform all responsibilities as required for Plat Review Officers; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, effective December 1, 2025, that Matthew Talbott as a designated Plat Review Officer for the City of Archdale. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution approving the Plat Review Officers for the City of Archdale be recorded in the Randolph County Register of Deeds Office.  reappoint Michael Somero and Mike Ayers to the Randolph County Board of Equalization and Review;  reappoint Michael Somero to the Randolph County Tax Commission;  approve EMS Franchise Renewals;  approve MOA between Randolph County & Cooperative Ext. for Randolph County Commercial Kitchen;  approve Surety Bonds for Elected and Appointed County Officials;  approve Project Amendment #6 - PTRWA to Asheboro Water Line ($2,400,000), as follows: PTRWA to Asheboro Water Line Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Rural Water $2,400,000 Infrastructure Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $10,000 Subrecipient Allocation to PTRWA $2,390,000 Rural Water Infrastructure Fund Budget Amendment #9 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease 12/1/25 Transfer to PTRWA Connection $2,400,000 Water Line Project Contingency $2,400,000  approve Project Amendment #5 - Asheboro City Schools Facilities Project, as follows: Asheboro City Schools Facilities Project Ordinance Amendment #5 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Modular Classrooms $50,000 Construction $50,000  approve Budget Amendment - Public Works ($50,000), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #33 Revenues Increase Decrease Public Works $50,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $50,000  approve Budget Amendment - TDA #4, as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – TDA #4 Budget Amendment #34 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Personnel $4,213 Operating $4,213  approve Budget Amendment - TDA #5 ($2,830), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – TDA #5 Budget Amendment #35 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous $2,830 Appropriations Increase Decrease Marketing $2,830  approve Project Amendment #8 - Ramseur Water and Sewer Improvements Project, as follows: Ramseur Water and Sewer Capital Project Fund Amendment #8 Revenues Increase Decrease 12/1/25 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $16,910 Contingency $16,910  approve Audit Contract Extension with Cherry Bekaert;  approve Contract Extension for the Tobacco Trust Grant. Consent Item C: Consideration of Appointments to the Randolph County Board of Health On motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Dr. John Slatosky to the Randolph County Board of Health. On motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Dr. William Walker to the Randolph County Board of Health. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 3-2 with Kidd and Rivenbark opposing to appoint Elbert Lassiter to the Randolph County Board of Health. Project Woodstock - Earth Retention Industries Crystal Gettys, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Business Recruitment Director, said Earth Retention Industries has acquired the property at 7718 US Hwy. 64 E. and intends to establish a manufacturing operation. The company selected Ramseur due to its strategic location and the suitability and availability of the former Crawford Knitting facility. However, the building does require some upfits to accommodate their production needs. The company is committed to an investment of at least $350,000 in building renovations, making the project eligible to apply for an NC Commerce Building Reuse Grant of $175,000. Total investment in renovations, machinery, and equipment is likely to far exceed the $350,000 commitment. In addition to its financial investment in the project, Earth Retention Industries is committed to creating 22 new jobs within the timeline of the Building Reuse Grant. The average annual wage of these new jobs will be $57,048 which exceeds the county’s current average wage of $49,355. These wages will equate to over $1.2M in new annual payroll in Ramseur and Randolph County once the hiring goal has been met. As mentioned, Earth Retention Industries is eligible for a Building Reuse Grant from NC Commerce in the amount of $175,000 to assist with the renovation expenses. The Town of Ramseur would serve as the grant applicant since the program requires the applicant to be a unit of local government. The grant program requires a 5% local government cash match which would total $8,750 based on this $175,000 grant request. On behalf of the Town of Ramseur, the EDC has requested that Randolph County support the project by providing half of the required match, or $4,375. The EDC believes that the Earth Retention Industries project is a good economic development project for the Town of Ramseur, increasing the value of the building, generating investment in 12/1/25 new machinery and equipment, and resulting in the creation of 22 new quality jobs. Therefore, the EDC requests that the Board of Commissioners approve a resolution authorizing submission of a Building Reuse Grant application to NC Commerce in the amount of $175,000 and committing to the $8,750 match requirement. The EDC would assist the town of Ramseur with reporting and administering the grant. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt a Resolution Authorizing the County to Provide One-Half of the Local Match Requirement for an Economic Development Project, as follows: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO PROVIDE ONE-HALF OF THE LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT FOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to undertake an economic development project by extending assistance to a company in order to cause the company to locate or expand its operations within the county; and WHEREAS, Earth Retention Industries LLC. (the “Company”) has acquired and intends to occupy the property at 7718 US Hwy. 64 E. in Ramseur as a manufacturing operation; and WHEREAS, in upfitting this space, the Company has stated its commitment to invest an amount equal to or in excess of three hundred fifty thousand dollars ($350,000) in building renovations, and to create twenty-two (22) new full-time jobs in the County and Town with an average wage of fifty-seven thousand forty-eight dollars ($57,048); and WHEREAS, the Company is eligible for a Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, in the amount of one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) to assist with the renovation expenses for this economic development project; and WHEREAS, since the project is located within the Town of Ramseur, the Town would be the applicant for the Building Reuse Grant on behalf of the Company; and WHEREAS, said Grant requires a 5% local match, or eight thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($8,750), from the local government making the application; and WHEREAS, the Town has requested that Randolph County provide one-half of the required local match for this project, or four thousand three hundred seventy-five dollars ($4,375); and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public hearing to consider whether to participate in this project by providing the requested one-half of the local match, four thousand three hundred seventy-five dollars ($4,375); and WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local economy, promote business in the County and Town, and result in the creation of a number of jobs in the County and Town; and WHEREAS, the County has in its General Fund available revenues sufficient to fund this economic development project. 12/1/25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of st Randolph County, this 1 day of December, 2025, as follows: Section 1. The County is authorized to expend up to four thousand three hundred seventy-five dollars ($4,375) of County funds to provide one-half of the required local match for the Building Reuse Grant applied for on behalf of the Company by the Town of Ramseur. Section 2. Participation by the County in this economic development is expressly contingent upon the approval of the grant application by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the provision of the local match by the Town of Ramseur. Section 3. The Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the County of Randolph any documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project. Waste Management Annual Report Bob Peeler, Waste Management Government Relations, introduced Mike McFeeley, District Manager, and Joy Jones, Senior Account Executive for the Public Sector. He stated to the Board the appreciation he has for the partnership between Waste Management (WM) and Randolph County. Mr. McFeeley reported highlights regarding the landfill and the convenience sites. Commissioner Haywood asked if all the convenience sites are manned. Mr. McFeeley responded that they were. Commissioner Haywood gave a breakdown of costs that are paid by Waste Management to operate the convenience sites. Mr. McFeeley confirmed that the cost was across the 6 sites and stated that 55,000 pounds of waste were collected last year. Ms. Jones said the costs also included transportation costs and fees. Commissioner Rivenbark asked for a breakdown of costs at each site to see whether it is feasible to add another site. Mr. McFeeley said he would get those figures for him. Commissioner Allen commented that tires were very expensive. Mr. McFeeley agreed saying that costs have increased for tire collection and it was a challenge to get trucks immediately to pick up the tires. Commissioner Allen commented that Waste Management had donated $750,000 to the Agricultural Center. Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Annual Report Amber Scarlett, Executive Director of the TDA, gave highlights the 2024 annual report. She presented statistics and data on the following topics:  Economic impact from visitor spending  2024 Occupancy Tax Revenues  Destination Data  I-73/74 Visitor Centers  Social media and website review  Public relations  Marketing and advertising 12/1/25 Commissioner Haywood commented on different aspects of the report including military targeted advertising, the need for hotels, the sportsplex, and the Pottery festival. Purchase of Voting Equipment Melissa Kirstner, Elections Director, gave the background of testing and purchasing new equipment. The new equipment will speed up the ability to report results and meet the demands of the voters. The updated software will also offer more reporting tools. This is State approved equipment. Commissioner Allen asked if they would be ready for the upcoming primaries. Ms. Kirstner said the new equipment would be for the February election. Commissioner Rivenbark asked what the pricing included and what would be done with the old equipment. Ms. Kirstner stated that maintenance and subscription-based software costs were included in the budget and the equipment will be traded-in for a credit that is shown on the contract. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of new voting equipment as presented, in the amount $329,565. Law Enforcement Clerk IV Position Chief Deputy Steven Nunn said the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the establishment of a Law Enforcement Clerk IV. It’s important to note that the Sheriff’s Office will utilize lapsed salaries for this position for the remainder of the fiscal year. The costs for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are as follows: Salary FICA Health Ins Retirement 401k Total $42,600 $3,259 $11,160 $6,130 $852 $64,001 The responsibilities of the Law Enforcement Clerk IV will include but are not limited to: - Managing payroll processing - Maintaining personnel records - Providing administrative support to the Sheriff’s Office as needed - Assisting in the preparation of reports - Serving as a point of contract for employee inquiries regarding county policies This position is essential to enhance the efficiency of the Sheriff’s Office operations and ensure that these administrative functions are managed effectively. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Law Enforcement IV Position, Grade 159, with salary and fringe benefits in the amount of $64,001. Farmland Preservation Commissioner Allen stated he would like to start a Farmland Preservation Fund using taxes from present use value (PUV) rollback. These funds would help protect agricultural lands using this local investment. The funds could be used for existing or future farms to cover grant match 12/1/25 costs. They could possibly be spread across multiple projects. Farmland in Randolph County has been lost to Economic Development. There has been an 11% decrease in farmland in recent years. On motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to create a Farmland Preservation Fund using taxes collected via PUV rollback starting on January 1, 2026. Annual Planning Retreat On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to set the Annual Planning Retreat for February 19, 2026. County Manager’s Update There were no updates. Public Comment Period Resumed Carl Hicks, 744 Ivy Creek Dr., Randleman, spoke of the future of the Library Board of Trustees. He said the loss of the Board would affect stability. He urged the Board to make their decision maintaining transparency and fairness. Susan Scott, 516 W. Kivett St., Asheboro, spoke in favor of keeping the current Library Board of Trustees. The public library should be open to all citizens. Harriet Moulder, 416 Rising Sun Way, Franklinville, supports the Library Board of Trustees. The public library should be open to all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, and religion. The library is not forcing ideas on people. Alison Eng, 908 Ross Harris Rd., Asheboro, asked the Board to consider the Library Board of Trustees carefully. Clyde Foust, 3746 Midway Acres, Asheboro, said there are parents with transgender children in our community going to the library asking for resources. Books in the library can help others. Parents trying their hardest to raise a child different from themselves would not have the opportunity to find a resource if books are moved or banned all together. Commissioners Updates Commissioner Rivenbark said there has been misinformation about what is wanted. The idea is not to ban books but move certain topics to a more appropriate place in the Library. Commissioner Allen stated that Trillium had recently issued a report. It seems that Randolph County will have more representation on a board with them. He was appointed to that Board. Adjournment At 7:32 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd 12/1/25 ________________________________ _________________________________ David Allen Hope Haywood ________________________________ _________________________________ Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 12/1/25