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260504 Regular Meeting May 4, 2026 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, Deputy Clerk Amber Cole, 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 Mr. Robert Cross retired March 31, 2026 with 32 years of service in Randolph County Public Buildings. Mr. Cross was recognized by Assistant County Manager/Operations William Johnson, after which, Chairman Frye presented him with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Ms. Jaynetta Butler retired April 30, 2026 with 32 years of service in Randolph County Social Services. Ms. Butler was recognized by Social Services Director Tracie Murphy, after which, Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board. Mr. Cam Mills, member of the Randolph America 250 Committee recognized the Fourth Grade America 250 Flag Project Winners: Santiago Alcantara Sampson from Randolph County School System, Amelia Cameron from Uwharrie Charter Academy, and Helen Espinoza Menjivar from Asheboro City Schools. The children were presented with certificates and gift bags. 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. Topaz Bott, 1080 Anns Ct., Asheboro, asked for help with a neighbor regularly creating house shaking sonic booms by setting off Tannerite \[binary explosive targets\]. The sound scares pets. Chairman Frye asked if the shooter lives in the county or city. Mr. Bott explained that he lives in the city limits and the shooter lives in the county. Bud Kauffman, 619 Anns Ct., Asheboro, said his neighbor has been producing large Tannerite explosions that cause damage to his property. He read examples of laws on the use of these types of targets. Nancy Bunch, 712 Uwharrie St., Asheboro, read a passage from The Astral Library about what it means for libraries to be free and available to all. 5/4/26 Isaac Hoffman, 6482 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville, read quotes from TASC Gun Range owner Mr. Mendenhall in an email to all the members and separately to Commissioner Frye. He also explained what happened at the Board of Adjustment meeting. Amy Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd. N, Thomasville, read excerpts from messages between TASC Gun Range owner Mr. Mendenhall and the Planning and Zoning Department and as well as letters from TASC members to Commissioner Frye. She felt the language was too friendly for the Chairman not to know them. Fritz Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd. N, Thomasville, spoke about how the TASC Gun Range members shoot after dark and on Sunday. He asked the Board to limit what time the TASC Gun Range can operate. Approve Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the agenda, as presented. Consent Agenda On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026, Special Meeting of March 26,2026, and Closed Session Minutes of April 6, 2026; and  adopt Proclamation for Police Week, as follows: PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MAY 15 - MAY 21, 2026, AS “NATIONAL POLICE WEEK'' IN RANDOLPH COUNTY WHEREAS, in 1962, John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed the Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to authorize the President to proclaim May 15th of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year during which such May 15th occurs as “Police Week'' (36 U.S.C. 136); and WHEREAS, there are more than 700,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and area municipal police departments; and WHEREAS, Federal, State, local, and tribal police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers across the United States serve with valor, dignity, and integrity; and WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are charged with pursuing justice for all individuals and performing their duties with fidelity to the constitutional and civil rights of the individuals that the law enforcement officers serve; and WHEREAS, the resolve of law enforcement officers in the service of their communities is unyielding, despite inherent dangers in the performance of their duties; and WHEREAS, the vigilance, compassion, and decency of law enforcement officers are the best defense of society against individuals who seek to harm; and WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1786, there are currently more than 27,339 law enforcement officers in the United States who have made the ultimate 5/4/26 sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty, including two members of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office; and WHEREAS, Peace Officers Memorial Day 2026 honors the 111 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2025; two of those were in North Carolina, and WHEREAS, during the first three months of 2026, twenty-five law enforcement officers across the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice. NOW, THEREFORE, WE PROCLAIM THAT the Randolph County Board of Commissioners: (1) designates the week of May 15 through May 21, 2026, as “National Police Week'' in Randolph County and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and communities across the nation. (2) expresses strong support for law enforcement officers across the United States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities. (3) recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public. (4) recognizes the members of the law enforcement community for their selfless acts of bravery. (5) acknowledges that law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be remembered and honored. (6) expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty; and (7) encourages the people of Randolph County to observe National Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the vital role of law enforcement officers in building safer and more secure communities across the United States.  adopt Proclamation for National Travel and Tourism Week, as follows: PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK WHEREAS, the week of May 3–9, 2026, marks the 43rd annual National Travel and Tourism Week, established by Congress in 1983 to celebrate the travel industry’s role in fueling our nation’s economy, community soul, and quality of life; and WHEREAS, travel is a cornerstone of the North Carolina economy, and right here in the Heart of North Carolina, Randolph County continues to be a premier destination for visitors seeking world-class attractions, rich heritage, and natural beauty; and WHEREAS, the tourism industry in Randolph County is a vital economic engine, with visitor spending reaching approximately $199.9 million annually, representing a 5.4% increase over previous reporting years; and WHEREAS, this robust visitor activity generates significant tax revenue, providing a "tax relief" for every household in the county and allowing for the funding of essential public services including public safety, infrastructure, and education; and WHEREAS, tourism supports the livelihoods of thousands of our residents, fostering a diverse workforce across the lodging, dining, retail, and transportation sectors, and empowering small businesses that are the backbone of our community; and WHEREAS, beyond the numbers, tourism enhances the vibrancy of Randolph County, preserving our unique cultural identity—from the potters of Seagrove to the 5/4/26 wildlife of the North Carolina Zoo—and ensuring that our county remains a place where people want to live, work, and play; and WHEREAS, as we look toward the future, the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority continues to champion the "Travel Forward" spirit, ensuring that our destination remains competitive, sustainable, and welcoming to all. NOW, THEREFORE, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 3–9, 2026, as NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK in Randolph County, and urges the citizens to recognize the critical importance of this industry and celebrate the professionals who make Randolph County a world-class destination.  adopt Proclamation for ALS Awareness Month, as follows: WHEREAS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with their muscles, slowly reducing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe; and WHEREAS, thousands of new amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are reported every year, and estimates show that every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone passes away from ALS; and WHEREAS, on average, patients diagnosed with ALS survive only two to five years from the time of diagnosis; and WHEREAS, the exact causes of ALS are unknown and there is no known cure for ALS; and WHEREAS, people who have served in the military are more likely to develop ALS and die from the disease than those with no history of military service; and WHEREAS, securing access to new therapies, durable medical equipment, and communication technologies is of vital importance to people living with ALS; and WHEREAS, clinical trials play a pivotal role in evaluating new treatments, enhancing quality of life, and fostering assistive technologies for those living with ALS; and WHEREAS, the ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research globally and has committed more than $154 million to support more than 550 projects across the United States and 18 other countries; and WHEREAS, the ALS Association is committed to make ALS livable and cure it for everyone, everywhere; and WHEREAS, ALS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the dire circumstances of people living with ALS, acknowledge the terrible impact this disease has on those individuals and their families, and support research to eradicate this disease. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners recognizes the month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and asks the citizens to join in supporting ALS research and advocating for increased funding for this relentless disease.  adopt Resolution to Add a Plat Review Officer, as follows: RESOLUTION APPROVING REVIEW OFFICER FOR PLAT REVIEW Randolph County 5/4/26 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 May 4, 2026, that Cory Hartsoe is a designated Plat Review Officer for Randolph County Government. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution approving the Plat Review Officers for Randolph County Government be recorded in the Randolph County Register of Deeds Office.  approve Interlocal Agreement for Regional Workforce Development in Public Health, as follows: RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN RANDOLPH COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND GUILFORD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute§ 160A-461 authorizes one or more units of local government to enter into agreements with each other to execute any undertaking; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Public Health (“RCPH”) and the Guilford County Department of Public Health (“GCDPH) Health Directors are both members of Region 5; and WHEREAS, Region 5 is one of 10 geographical regions across North Carolina that Health Departments are divided into for collaboration and administrative purposes; and WHEREAS, all 10 regions received ARPA funding, with the Guildford County Department of Public health serving as the fiduciary agent for Region 5; and WHEREAS, these funds supported valuable training opportunities, including but not limited to, legal topics, Microsoft excel, leadership and HIPAA for staff across all nine counties located within Region 5; and WHEREAS, all ARPA funding was fully expended by the May 31, 2025 deadline; and WHEREAS, there is value in continuing these training opportunities in the pursuit of regional workforce development; and WHEREAS, last year you approved an Interlocal Agreement between RCPH and GCDPH for the administration of these funds. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: The Randolph County Board of County Commissioners hereby approves renewing the Interlocal Agreement between RCPH and the GCDPH, containing the following provisions: 1. To continue to support regional workforce development efforts, each of the nine counties in Region 5 will contribute 6% of its total allocation of Agreement Addendum 117: Public Health Infrastructure - Local Workforce Development funding. 2. RCPH will contribute $13,427 for Fiscal Year 2027. 5/4/26 3. The Agreement will be effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, and can be renewed in the next fiscal year upon mutual agreement. 4. The Agreement shall include a clause allowing for termination by either party upon 30 days’ notice to the other party.  approve Budget Amendment – Veteran Services ($19,000), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #56 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $19,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Veteran Services $19,000  approve Budget Amendment – 2026 Merit Program ($206,570), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #57 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $14,411 $206,570 Information Technology 6,938 Tax 8,414 Elections 1,041 Register of Deeds 1,425 Public Buildings 1,523 Sheriff 52,448 Emergency Services 29,512 Building Inspections 4,002 Adult Day Reporting Center 322 Planning & Zoning 3,261 Public Works 1,172 Public Health 31,306 Social Services 34,301 Child Support Services 5,921 Public Library 10,573  approve Budget Amendment – Passthrough Grant - Run 5 Feed 5 ($573), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #58 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $573 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services $573 Appropriations  approve Budget Amendment — 2026 Longevity Program ($457,250), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #59 5/4/26 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $31,568 Information Technology 17,610 Tax 18,870 Elections 2,630 Register of Deeds 6,688 Public Buildings 10,544 Sheriff 144,944 Emergency Services 49,429 Building Inspections 9,886 Adult Day Reporting Center 832 Juvenile Day Reporting Center 3,403 Planning & Zoning 13,317 Cooperative Extension 2,019 Public Works 4,701 Public Health 49,156 Social Services 64,823 Child Support Services 11,110 Public Library 15,720 Contingency $457,250  approve Budget Amendment – JCPC Discretionary Funds ($6,037), as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #60 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $6,037 Appropriations Increase Decrease Juvenile Day Reporting Center $6,037  approve Project Amendment - Deep River Trail Capital Project Ordinance ($100,000), as follows: Deep River Trail Capital Project Budget Amendment # 9 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $100,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $100,000  approve Project Amendment - Deep River Trail Capital Project Ordinance ($73,000), as follows: Deep River Trail Capital Project Budget Amendment # 10 Revenues Increase Decrease Investment Earnings $73,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease 5/4/26 Construction $73,000  approve Budget Amendment – I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund, as follows: I-74 Industrial Center Sewer Capital Project Fund General Fund – Budget Amendment #10 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales Tax Reimbursements $53,355 Program Income $50,000 Transfer from Coronavirus $66,680 Recovery Fund Transfer from Rural Water $14,266 Infrastructure Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Fees $62,000 Land and Easements $2,265 Construction $158,498 Contingency $61,536  approve Budget Amendment - Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Project, as follows: Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Project General Fund – Budget Amendment #12 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to I-74 Industrial Center $14,266 Capital Project Contingency $14,266  approve Budget Amendment – Coronavirus Recovery Fund, as follows: Coronavirus Recovery Fund Amendment #35 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to I-74 Industrial Center $66,680 Capital Project Contingency $66,680  approve Funding and Local 30% Match of Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Funds for the Juvenile Day Reporting Center (JDRC) for FY2026-27;  approve Project Amendment – Establish Highway 64 East Capital Project ($16,447,203), as follows: Rural Water Infrastructure Capital Project Fund Project Amendment #13 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease 5/4/26 Transfer to Water & Sewer $16,447,203 Projects Contingency $16,447,203  appoint Hannah Moss and Reappoint Ryan Beeson, Dan Warren, Hal Pugh, and Mac Whatley to the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission. Medical Contract with IMS Correctional Health Care Chief Deputy Steven Nunn said the Randolph County Sheriff's Office has completed the review process of the medical services that were bid out in March. After careful evaluation and consideration, it is the recommendation of staff to select IMS Correctional Health Care for the upcoming budget year FY 2026-2027. The evaluation process involved a thorough assessment of all medical providers, considering factors such as quality of care, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with our organizational needs. Please find below a summary of the providers and their associated costs: Medical Provider: Cost: IMS Correctional Healthcare $1,484,000 Walker Investment Financial Services LLC $1,840,695 CBH Medical $1,659,706 Southern Health Partners $1,786,752 Genesys Health Alliance $2,482,272 Advanced Correctional Healthcare, INC $2,143,505 Mediko Correctional Health Care $1,998,630 The proposed cost to select IMS Correctional Health Care for the upcoming budget year is $1,484,000, equivalent to $123,666.67 per month. This partnership will enable us to continue providing high-quality medical care to the inmate population, promoting their well-being, and contributing to the overall safety and security of the detention facility. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the medical proposal with IMS Correctional Health Care for inmate medical services in the amount of $1,484,000 and authorize the County Manager to sign the associated contract. Bid for the Shaw Building HVAC Renovation County Engineer Paxton Arthurs Last September, the Board approved the funding of a backlog of facility needs, including the replacement of the HVAC system at the Shaw Building. The original cost was anticipated to be $500,000, but the low bid was $688,691 from Piedmont Service Group. After working with the firm to value engineer the project, the negotiated bid price will be $627,000. After utilizing remaining contingency from the other approved projects, we will need another $80,000 to finance this project. The additional funds will come from fund balance committed to capital needs. 5/4/26 Chairman Frye asked when the work would begin. Mr. Arthurs stated the work would begin in the fall of 2026. Commissioner Rivenbark asked if this modified design could be put out for bid. Mr. Arthurs said this modified design would be difficult to put out for bid and the company spent time working on it in good faith. Chairman Frye stated bidding this project would be unfair to Piedmont Service Group. Only two bids came in for the original project, and the other bid was much higher. Commissioner Rivenbark asked if the cost would stay the same since work will not commence until the fall. Mr. Arthurs said the price will be locked in with this contract. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to award the bid for the Shaw Building HVAC renovation to Piedmont Service Group in the amount of $627,008, authorize the County Manager to sign the contract, and approve the budget amendment, as follows: 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #61 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $80,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Buildings $80,000 Purchase of Enterprise Permitting & Licensing Software IT Director R.J. Williamson The county has a need to update software used by Planning, Central Permitting, Environmental Health, Tax, Building Inspections, and Fire Inspections. The current product has been in use for 14 years and technical support/institutional knowledge is becoming hard to find. For many years the County has used legacy software provided by Tyler Technologies in a siloed fashion for these service areas. The disparate nature of these systems, while adequate for many years, has become inefficient in supporting the development of the county. This modernization will provide efficiencies in use for staff, better access for the public, and greater connectivity between departments. In May of 2024, the NCACC assisted the county with a Planning Department peer-review and provided feedback to help better define areas of improvement to support the county’s growth. A major recommendation from that study was the need for cohesive software to facilitate necessary process improvement and workflow efficiencies. Tyler Technologies has offered an upgrade to the County, which allows separate software pieces to transition to their newer, unified platform (EP&L) within the existing enterprise agreement. The Central Permitting Advisory Committee along with all related Department Heads and project stakeholders have reviewed this and are in full support of this transition. There is a significant amount of work required to migrate the legacy software products and the related data into the new central EP&L platform. The one-time implementation cost for this work is $330,000.00. On-going annual cost to use this platform is $188,660.00. The County would no 5/4/26 longer be required to pay the current $70,000.00 annual cost for the separate software pieces currently in use. The total initial cost to migrate to the new service within our existing agreement is $448,660.00. The funds are currently available in the Information Technology budget for this expense. Chairman Frye explained that a peer review study was completed in 2024 by the NCACC. The study found the current software should be replaced with one that better serves the public and staff. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of Enterprise Permitting & Licensing Software in the amount of $448,660, and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract. Strategic Planning Funding Strategic Program Coordinator Scott Boyd said in October 2025, the Randolph County Board of County Commissioners approved a round of funding for a spring cycle of Strategic Planning Funds. Applications were accepted through March 2026, and $300,000 was made available during this cycle. Applications were limited to not-for-profit organizations who could apply for up to $50,000. At the end of the application window, 15 applications were received totaling 500,860. All of these applications were complete and align with 2016 Strategic Plan goals. If any funding from Strategic Planning Funds is approved, agencies will be onboarded to the Strategic Planning Fund accountability process, which includes goal setting, performance measurement identification, and quarterly reporting. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-1 with Rivenbark opposing to approve the Strategic Planning Funding Applications to begin July 1, 2026 for the following non-profits: Community Outreach of A-T (COAT) $50,000 Friends of the Patterson Cottage $3,750 Habitat for Humanity $25,000 Healthy Communities $2,000 Lydia’s Place $17,560 Our Daily Bread Kitchen $25,000 Place of Grace $25,000 Randolph Co. Partnership for Children $50,000 Rhino Leap Productions $20,000 Sleep in Heavenly Peace $15,000 Spirit Horse Ranch $15,000 Victory Junction $50,000 Family Crisis Center $0 George Washington Carver College $0 OE Enterprises $0 Public Comment Period Re-opened 5/4/26 Judith West, 339 Gregg St., Archdale, said the Library Board should not have been dismissed, and library books should not be banned. Charman Frye commented that no books have been banned. Vice-chairman Kidd stated that no libraries have been closed. Marie Duke, 4702 Huntingwood Rd., Ramseur, expressed a desire for the Library Board of Trustees to reflect a representation of families in the county. Susan Scott, 516 West Kivett St., Asheboro, asked why there wasn’t a hearing about the new Library Board Ordinance and Bylaws. The new ordinance and bylaws weren’t posted until three days before the meeting in which they were approved. Phil Cooper, 768 Anns Ct., Asheboro, is concerned about his neighbor routinely blasting Tannerite \[binary explosive targets\]. The blast is extremely loud and shakes his house. He said there is a new State law about this and requests local ordinances and help to stop this. County Manager Updates County Manager Zeb Holden thanked the clerks for their work preparing for the Board meeting. This week is also National Teachers Week and National Correctional Officers and Employees nd Week. The Veterans Stand Down event on May 2 was well attended. Congratulations to Abigail Jones and Jacob Lawrence from Emergency Services for winning their regional paramedic competition and the amazing effort shown at the state level competition. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Allen shared that the NCACC documentary “Rising Above Helene” will be broadcast on PBS at 10pm. Adjournment At 7:48 p.m., on motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd David Allen Hope Haywood Lester Rivenbark Amber E. Cole, Deputy Clerk to the Board 5/4/26