260901 Regular Meeting
September 1, 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, Chief Financial Officer Michael McKenzie, Deputy 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 Recognition
Libby Davis retired July 31, 2026 from the Department of Social Services with 31 years of
service. Ms. Davis was recognized by Social Services Director Tracie Murphy, after which,
Chairman Frye presented her with an engraved clock on behalf of the Board.
Agenda Approval
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Agenda as
amended to add Item R. Approve Budget Amendment – Environmental Air Systems, LLC ($41,800)
to the Consent Agenda.
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.
Michael Moss, 4763 Rainbow Trail, Ramseur, stated that his family would be hosting the
Liberty Antiques Festival to have the tradition continued.
Susan Scott, 516 W. Kivett St., Asheboro, requested that the Board have a certified librarian
on the Library Board of Trustees.
Judy Saunders, 1402 E. Allred St., Asheboro, asked for citizens to contact the Legislature to
have Social Security continue to be paid into the system once reaching a total of $1 million per
person.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda,
as amended, as follows:
approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of August 3, 2026 and
Closed Session Minutes of August 3, 2026;
reappoint David Caughron, Leslie Brown, and Diane Villa to the Randolph County
Tourism Development Authority;
appoint Wayne Parker, Mark Burrow, and Pam Webb to the Randleman Board of
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Adjustment;
reappoint Peggy Hinshaw, Wanda Hilton, and Judy Kirkman to the Randleman
Planning Board;
approve purchase of Stair Chairs for Emergency Services ($111,955);
approve Budget Amendment - Public Health ($18,324), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #9
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $18,324
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $18,324
approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($2,500), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #10
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $2,500
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $2,500
approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($3,000), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #11
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $3,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $3,000
approve Budget Amendment - Social Services ($26,400), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #12
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $26,400
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $26,400
approve Budget Amendment - Social Services ($25,208), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #13
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $25,208
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $25,208
approve Budget Amendment - Social Services ($15,000), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #14
Revenues Increase Decrease
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Restricted Intergovernmental $15,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Social Services $15,000
approve Budget Amendment - TDA #3 ($0), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
TDA Budget Amendment #2027_03
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Personnel Costs $11,148
Operating Costs $11,148
approve Budget Amendment - TDA #4 ($9,739), as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
TDA Budget Amendment #2027_04
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $9,739
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Operating Costs $505
Marketing Costs $9,234
approve Project Amendment - Health and Wellbeing #13 - Landfill Host Fees
($357,682)
Health and Wellbeing Reserve Ordinance
Amendment #13
Revenues Increase Decrease
Landfill Host Fees $357,682
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to General Fund $357,682
approve the addition of Desktop Support Manager at Grade 124 to the General
Classification Plan;
approve updated Purchasing Policy;
approve updates on Agricultural Center Fee Schedule
approve Budget Amendment – Environmental Air Systems, LLC, as follows:
2026-2027 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #15
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $18,324
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Other Economic and Physical $18,324
Development
Ace/Avant Economic Development Project
Crystal Gettys, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Business
Recruitment Director, said Randolph County EDC is requesting a total of $160,000 to be split
between the County and City of Randleman in the amount of $80,000 each to support access
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improvements for the Hwy. 311 S. Site in Randleman which is owned by Ace/Avent Real Property
Company, LLC. The project supports the development of a 67.6-acre site for future industrial use
by extending water/sewer utilities and, improving site access from Hwy. 311, to include relocating
the current private crossing over Norfolk Southern’s rail line. Two North Carolina Railroad grants
totaling $1 million have been secured to offset water, sewer, and access improvement costs, with
remaining costs to be covered by the property owner. To complete the access improvements,
approximately 4.31 acres must be acquired from an adjacent property owner. RCEDC plans to
contribute $9,200 in unused and reallocated funds from a Duke Energy grant and is requesting a
combined $160,000 local contribution, split evenly between Randolph County and the City of
Randleman, to help offset acquisition, design, and relocation costs.
The EDC is charged with supporting the existing industries of Randolph County as well as
recruitment of new industry which grows the tax base of the county and municipalities where they
are located. Having sites that are marketable and include utilities, access, and completed due
diligence is crucial to attract new industries.
Public Hearing
Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone had the opportunity to
speak.
Lynn Small, 4807 Walker Mill Rd., Sophia, stated that Ace/Avant should not be given any
incentives because they were able to pay a large sum of money for the property they recently
purchased.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution
Authorizing the County of Randolph to Grant Funds to Ace/Avant Real Property Company, LLC
for industrial site preparation and the associated Budget Amendment, contingent on Randleman
approval, as follows:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO GRANT
FUNDS TO ACE/AVANT REAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC FOR
INDUSTRIAL SITE PREPARATION
WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a
county to engage in site preparation for industrial properties or facilities, whether the
industrial property or facility is publicly or privately owned; and
WHEREAS, Ace/Avant Real Property Company, LLC (“Company”) is the Owner of
a Site located at I-74 and US Highway 311 approximately 67.6 acres in size and more
particularly described by parcel identification number 7745734117 (“Site”); and
WHEREAS, in order to attract an industrial customer, certain site preparation work
needs to be undertaken in order to improve access to the Site (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, the Project consists of, among other things, the acquisition of
approximately 4.31 acres of property adjacent to the Site and the design and relocation
of the current railway crossing at a total cost estimated in excess of nine hundred
twenty-five thousand five hundred ninety-five dollars ($925,595.00); and
WHEREAS, Randolph County (“County”) and the City of Randleman (“City”)
jointly propose to provide the Company with a grant totaling one hundred sixty
thousand dollars ($160,000.00) to be used to accomplish the Project (“Grant”), eighty
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thousand ($80,000.00) from the County and eighty thousand ($80,000.00) from the
City; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public
hearing to consider whether to participate in this Project; and
WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local
economy, promote business in the County, and result in the creation of a number of
jobs in the County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of
st
Randolph County, this 1 day of September, 2026, as follows:
1. The County is authorized to expend up to eighty thousand dollars ($80,000.00)
for this economic development Project.
2. The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to sign an
Agreement with Ace/Avant Real Property Company, LLC requiring the monies
provided by the County to be spent in furtherance of the Project.
3. The participation by Randolph County in this economic development project is
expressly contingent upon full participation, as provided herein, by the City of
Randleman.
Highway 311 South Grant Project Fund
Amendment #2
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Economic $80,000
Development Reserve
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Site Development $80,000
Economic Development Reserve
Amendment #11
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to General Fund $80,000
Transfer to Highway 311 S Grant $80,000
Project Fund
Randolph Community College (RCC) Capital Project
The Board of County Commissioners have previously adopted a capital project ordinance for
RCC improvements. To date, these improvements include the Continuing Education / Industrial
Center, Photography, Cosmetology, the Allied Health Center, and land for the Liberty Training
Center, and renovations at other facilities.
If the Board wishes to provide funding towards the Applied Industrial Artificial Intelligence
Center and RCC’s deferred maintenance projects, we can utilize funds from the Capital Reserve
Fund.
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On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve RCC Capital Project
Ordinance #19, as follows:
RCC Community College Capital Project Ordinance
Amendment #19
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Capital Reserve Fund $3,000,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Industrial AI Center $2,000,000
Phase I Deferred Maintenance $1,000,000
Capital Reserve Ordinance
Amendment #18
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to RCC Capital Project $3,000,000
Fund
Contingency $3,000,000
Poor House Cemetery Marker
William Johnson, Deputy County Manager, stated in January 2026, the Randolph County
Historic Landmark Preservation Commission designated the Poor House Cemetery as a Local
Cultural Heritage Site. From the county’s founding through the mid-20 th century, county
government was responsible for caring for its poor, disabled and indigent elderly citizens. From
1827-1922, this care took place at the Poor House, a campus of dormitories and cabins at the
present-day intersection of Caraway Mountain Road and Old County Farm Road. The cemetery
continued to be used after the County Rest Home replaced the Poor House in 1922, with the last
burial occurring in 1956. There are 405 burials in the cemetery, but only one grave remains
marked.
Local historian Ricky Allred has researched the Poor House in depth and in 2025 published
the book The Least of These: Caring for the Poor in Randolph County, 1794-1922. Mr. Allred has
asked to place a monument at the Poor House Cemetery, at his expense, to commemorate the lives
of those buried there. He has worked with Wiley Monuments and Memorials to develop a 24” x
10” x 16” slanted marker and is ready to have it installed. He and County Engineer Paxton Arthurs
have selected a site the marker at the crest of a ridge in the interior of the property. Mr. Allred is
covering the entire cost for creation and placement of the monument.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the proposed
memorial at the original county home site.
2027 Property Revaluation
Debra Hill, Tax Assessor, By North Carolina law (G.S. 105-286) all counties must conduct a
reappraisal of all real property at least every eight years. However, counties can decide to advance
a reappraisal of real property if the board of county commissioners adopts a resolution providing
for advancement of the reappraisal. On January 4, 2021, the Randolph County Board of County
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Commissioners adopted a four (4) year reappraisal cycle. The last reappraisal was in 2023. The
2027 reappraisal will be effective January 1, 2027. The reappraisal is conducted by the Randolph
County Tax Department Staff.
The uniform schedule of values, standards, rules used in appraising real property is to reflect
the true value in money (market value) as defined in North Carolina General Statute 105-283. The
Tax Department appraisal staff have spent much time analyzing sales data, market trends, and
conducting cost studies and gathering income information. All of this data was used to develop the
2027 Schedule of Values.
North Carolina General Statute 105-317 prescribes the procedure that county commissioners
must adhere to for the reappraisal process. I have attached a recommended date-specific timetable
for the Board to follow. The next step is to set a public hearing to give the public an opportunity
to comment on the true value and present use schedules, standards and rules to be used in the 2027
Reappraisal. A public hearing notice will be published stating that these schedules, standards and
rules have been submitted to the Board and that a copy is available for public inspection in the Tax
Department. I respectfully request that the Board set 6:30 pm on October 5, 2026 for a public
hearing on the proposed schedules, standards and rules for the 2027 Reappraisal.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to set a Public Hearing on the
Proposed True Value Schedules, Standards, and Rules and the Present-Use Schedules, Standards,
and Rules for October 5, 2026, at a meeting starting at 6:00 p.m.
Strategic Planning Funds
District Attorney Andrew Gregson and Sheriff Greg Seabolt gave a presentation on the need
for funding to have CBD products being sold in local businesses tested. If the products were above
the legal limits of CBD, the Sheriff’s Office would notify the business owner and then monitor for
compliance.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve $100,000 from
Strategic Planning Funds to be used for the testing program.
Building Inspections Fees Update
David Bryant, Building Inspections Director, stated that legislative text created a dedicated
state fund financed by new, mandatory fees on local building permits to support the state-level
administration and enforcement of the North Carolina State Building Code.
Key Provisions
1. Creation of the Fund
• Name: State Building Code Regulatory Fund.
• Agency: Housed within the Department of Labor.
• Purpose: Exclusively supports the Building Codes and Interpretations Bureau.
2. Fee Structure
Building permit applicants must pay a state regulatory fee in addition to their local
government permit fees. The flat fee amounts depend on the project type:
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• $100.00: Permits for buildings/structures subject to the general North Carolina Building
Code (typically commercial, multi-family, or large-scale projects).
• $25.00: Permits for buildings/structures subject to the North Carolina Residential Code
(typically one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses).
• $10.00: Permits for any other construction work subject to the State Building Code not
covered by the first two tiers (such as standalone trade permits for electrical, plumbing, or
mechanical work).
3. Collection and Remittance
• Local Collection: Local governments are responsible for collecting these fees at the time
of permit issuance.
• Quarterly Transfer: Municipalities and counties must remit the money collected to the
Department of Labor every quarter.
• Reporting: Local governments must include a quarterly report detailing exactly how many
permits were issued in each of the three fee categories.
4. Additional Revenue Sources
• Statutory Fees: Most other fees collected under Article 9 of Chapter 143 of the General
Statutes are also diverted into this fund.
• Exemptions: Fees collected under G.S. 143-138.1(a), 143-139.4(h), and 143-143.4(b)(5)
are excluded and will continue to go elsewhere.
Compliance Checklist for Local Government Code Enforcement Offices
Point-of-Sale Fee Collection
• Update software: Program permitting software to automatically apply the state fee based
on permit type.
• Add $100.00 fee: Apply this to all permits governed by the general North Carolina Building
Code (Commercial/Multi-family).
• Add $25.00 fee: Apply this to all permits governed by the North Carolina Residential Code
(One- and Two-Family/Townhouses).
• Add $10.00 fee: Apply this to all other trade or miscellaneous permits subject to the State
Building Code.
• Ensure additionality: Verify that these fees are charged in addition to standard local permit
fees under G.S. 160D-402.
Data Tracking & Record Keeping
• Log permit counts: Track the exact number of permits issued within each of the three
specific fee tiers.
• Isolate revenue: Separate the collected state regulatory fees into a dedicated ledger account
to prevent mixing with local funds.
Quarterly Remittance & Reporting
• Schedule transfers: Set up calendar alerts for quarterly electronic or physical remittance to
the Department of Labor.
• Generate reports: Create a standardized report template detailing the count of permits
issued per category for the quarter.
• Submit package: Send both the total collected funds and the corresponding categorical
report to the Department of Labor simultaneously.
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Randolph County Permit Fees + State Mandated Fees
• Mobile Home
o Inspections Fees = 150.00 / State Mandated Fee = 25.00
o Electrical Included / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Mechanical Included / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Plumbing Included / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o State Mandated Fee Total + 55.00
o Total Fees = 205.00
• Standard Home 1200 Sq/Ft
o Inspection Fees = 631.89 / State Mandated Fee = 25.00
o Electrical Fee = 60.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Mechanical Fee = 60.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Plumbing Fee = 60.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o State Mandated Fee Total = 55.00
o Total Fees = 866.89
• Commercial Buildings 6000 Sq/Ft, Business Group
o Inspections Fees = 3,762 / State Mandated Fee = 100.00
o Electrical Fee = 240.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Mechanical Fee = 120.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o Plumbing Fee = 66.00 / State Mandated Fee = 10.00
o State Mandated Fee = 130.00
o Total Fees = 4,318.00
McGill Engineering Proposal
Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, said in July, a Resolution for the County to enter into a water
sale and wheeling Interlocal Agreements with the Town of Liberty and the City of Greensboro
were approved. These agreements are associated with a proposed water line from the water tank
at Toyota, which runs down Old 421 Road to Liberty. Building on preliminary engineering that
has been done, we requested a design proposal from McGill Engineering for the Design, Bidding,
and Construction Administration of this line. The total fee for these services is $ 394,500.00. This
project will be funded from the State W&S Capital Improvement grant. This amount includes the total
fees for these services ($394,500) as well as a 5% contingency ($19,725).
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the proposal from
McGill Engineering for the design, bid, and construction administration of a water line along Old
421 Road at a cost of $394,500, authorize the County Manager to sign the contract, and approve
the associated Budget Amendments, as follows:
Liberty Water and Sewer Improvement Capital Project Ordinance
Amendment #2
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Rural Water $414,225
Infrastructure Fund
Appropriations Increase Decrease
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Engineering $394,500
Contingency $19,725
Rural Water and Sewer Infrastructure Capital Project Ordinance
Amendment #19
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to Liberty W&S Capital $414,225
Project
Contingency $414,225
County Manager’s Update
County Manager Zeb Holden thanked the Board for allowing this meeting to be held on a week
without a holiday. Staff appreciated it greatly. He mentioned the Chamber Chair Celebration held
by the Ashe/Rand Chamber will occur in October.
Commissioners Updates
nd
Chairman Frye stated that Commissioner Allen was elected to be the 2 Vice-President of the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).
Commissioner Haywood explained that Sam Varner, former Wellness Administrator; Ashley
Duggins, owner of Prevo Pharmacy; and Kristi Wallace, current Wellness Administrator;
presented at the NCACC conference in regards to all of the healthcare initiatives that have been
taken on by Randolph County Government to improve the health of employees and lower
insurance costs. She said Chairman Frye was on a panel discussion and that the Randolph County
Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Team won a Civic Excellence in Innovation Award.
Adjournment
At 7:20 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd
David Allen Hope Haywood
Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
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