260608 Outside Agencies, Fire Depts, Public Hearings
June 8, 2026 – 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, 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. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube.
OE Enterprises
Amy Miller, Executive Director, thanked the Board for their continued support. She introduced
Connie Crimmins, Development Director. Ms. Crimmins provided a PowerPoint presentation
highlighting their mission, vision, and the meaningful work they provide for individuals in our
community. Their services give their clients opportunities for community outings, production
work, gardening, and employment skill building. The service contracts they have give clients the
opportunity to work at OE Enterprises. It gives the clients guidance, choices, and a purpose. She
introduced Jennifer and Gabby, two of their clients.
Randolph Arts Council (aka Randolph Arts Guild)
Rose Longuillo, Executive Director, explained that the new name better aligns with the State
organization. She said that the Council is staffed mostly by volunteers and community partners.
The Council has given $50,000 in grants to organizations in Randolph County. The part-time
person they were able to hire has allowed the Council to have artists display their work in the
gallery. She reminded the Board of Fall Festival on the first Saturday of October. This year it will
only run one day. She gave thanks to the Commissioners for continuing to help finance the
Council.
Communities in Schools
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Paula Owens is retiring on June 30. She spoke of her gratitude for the Board and the financial
backing they have provided. She said the Backpack Pals Program continues to be strong and
serves 500 students. The new director has been working with Ms. Owens to get some training
prior to her retirement.
Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA)
Floyd Johnson, Executive Director, is requesting an additional $267,157 for a total of $650,000
for FY 26-27. Their reserves have been depleted and the need for service to the aging population
continues to grow. Without additional funding, there is a fear of disrupting services. The plan
going forward to have sustainable funding is to control expenses, increase County support, revamp
their Board of Directors and rebuild reserves through fundraising.
Coleridge Fire Department
Chief Aaron Baucom is requesting a two cent per one hundred tax increase. He stated that
historically the department has relied on volunteers to help with calls. They currently have a staff
of one full-time person and two part-time people. They also have equipment that must be replaced
because its at end of life. They applied for a Federal grant but have not heard anything. The two
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stations must be maintained and costs continue to increase. They are requesting an increase of 2
cents per 100 to their tax rate.
Fair Grove Fire Department
Chief Robbie Binkley stated that there had been a decline in volunteers for the fire service. He
is asking for an increase to fund full-time positions. Their Board is hoping to be able to attract
people who already have knowledge of fire procedures. The new employees will also need turn
out gear. They are asking for an increase of 3 cents per 100 to their tax rate.
Franklinville Fire Department
Chief Kyle Dixon stated that the department is spending more to maintain current with
certifications, equipment, and operating expenses. They have run out of space at the Station are
purchasing a metal building for storage. He is requesting an increase of 2 cents per 100 to their
tax rate.
Northeast (Liberty) Fire Department
Chief Matt Talbott said the department will receive a new fire truck that the Town of Liberty
is helping to fund. A loan will be necessary to afford the truck. They currently have four full-time
employees. They are requesting an increase of 2 cents per 100 to their tax rate.
Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Kevin Franklin, President, gave a presentation with updates on projects completed in 2025. He
showed a five-year snapshot of all developments. From 2021-current, the EDC has helped bring
7410 jobs to Randolph County with the average wage of $57,725. The total investment that has
been made in that period is $14,641,373,894. They also support existing industries to help increase
their workforce and investments too. They requested $351,950 for FY 2026-27.
Public Hearing
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 158-7.1, the County intends to consider appropriating three hundred fifty-
one thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars ($351,950). Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing
and closed it after no one spoke.
Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget Public Hearing
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 159-12, the governing board must hold a public hearing on the proposed
budget. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one spoke.
Closed Session
At 6:40 p.m., on motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to go into Closed
Session pursuant to NCGS 143 .318.11( a)( 4) to discuss matters relating to the location or
expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including
agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public
body in negotiations.
Regular Session
At 7:10 p.m., the Board reconvened to regular session.
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Adjournment
At 7:11 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board adjourned.
Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd
David Allen Hope Haywood
Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
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