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261005 Regular Meeting October 5, 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, Deputy County Manager William Johnson, Chief Financial Officer Michael McKenzie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Deputy Clerk to the Board Amber Cole, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chaplain Kevin Walton 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 Ms. Lillie May Newell Owens was honored for being a Centenarian on October 10, 2026. She will receive a certificate. th The America 250 Committee was recognized for their contributions regarding the local 250 anniversary celebrations. National 4-H week was October 4-10, 2026. Youth in the program spoke about their participation. The following youth addressed the Board: Rilen Wright, Jonathan Scarlett, Liam Marshall, Connor Marshall, Quill Gravitt, and Scarlett May. Agenda Approval On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Agenda with the clarification of the Closed Session Statute number. 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. David Hursey, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Existing Industry Director, spoke of October as Industry Appreciation Month. He noted that there would be plant tours and a forklift rodeo with a celebratory lunch at the end of the month. Todd Dulaney, 147 S. Randolph Ave., Asheboro, spoke of not banning books at the public library. Susan Scott, 516 West Kivett St., Asheboro, said the Library Board of Trustees has kept the challenged children’s book in the library. th Virginia Wall, 348 Linley Ave., Asheboro, said October 4-11 is Banned Book Week. She spoke of equality. Judith West, 339 Gress St., Asheboro, spoke of data center regulations. 10/5/26 Stephen Abarno, 4820 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, was told by a Code Enforcement Officer that nothing could be enforced regarding cutting overgrown grass. Consent Agenda On motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2026;  adopt Proclamation for Industry Appreciation Month, as follows: WHEREAS, the County of Randolph is pleased to have a thriving community of industries to support the local economy; and WHEREAS, these industrial companies provide essential employment opportunities for the citizens of the County of Randolph; and WHEREAS, these industrial companies provide local revenues from which the entire citizenry benefit by diversifying the tax base; and WHEREAS, industrial businesses make considerable contributions to our families and communities, often improving the overall quality of life; and WHEREAS, we recognize and appreciate these industrial businesses. NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, do hereby recognize our existing industrial businesses and by virtue of this proclamation give notice to our citizens that the month of October 2026 is Industry Appreciation Month in the County of Randolph.  adopt Proclamation for National 4-H Week, as follows: WHEREAS, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering millions of young people across the United States with opportunities to learn, lead and grow; and WHEREAS, North Carolina 4-H, the youth development program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, a partnership of NC State University and N.C. A&T State University, provides research-based educational experiences that help young people develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to thrive; and WHEREAS, North Carolina 4-H serves more than 275,000 young people with the support of more than 15,000 volunteers across all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, connecting youth with caring adults and opportunities in agriculture, STEM, healthy living, civic engagement, leadership and other areas through hands-on learning experiences; and WHEREAS, 4-H’s learn-by-doing approach empowers young people to explore their interests, contribute to their communities and develop skills that prepare them for education, careers and life; and WHEREAS, 4-H is made possible through the dedication of Extension professionals, volunteers, families, community partners and others who provide meaningful opportunities for young people to learn and lead; and WHEREAS, Randolph County 4-H serves more than 12,000 young people with the support of 41 volunteers, providing opportunities for youth to learn, lead and grow through hands-on experiences; and 10/5/26 WHEREAS, National 4-H Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H members and volunteers and recognize the positive impact of 4-H in Randolph County and communities across North Carolina. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize October 4–10, 2026, as: “NATIONAL 4- H WEEK” in Randolph County, North Carolina, and encourages all citizens to recognize the contributions of 4-H and its continued commitment to preparing young people to lead, serve and succeed in their communities and beyond.  adopt Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating the Dedication of the Charters of Freedom Setting on Veterans Day 2026, as follows: WHEREAS, Foundation Forward, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization, is dedicated to preserving American history and providing permanent, community-accessible displays of our nation's founding documents; and WHEREAS, the Charters of Freedom setting—consisting of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil Rights Amendments—serve to educate citizens, foster civic pride, and preserve the legacy of American liberty; and WHEREAS, the formal dedication of this setting is scheduled to take place on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, a sacred day set aside to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces to protect the very freedoms these documents guarantee; and WHEREAS, the installation of this setting provides a lasting educational resource for local schools, community members, and visitors, ensuring that future generations understand the foundational principles of our republic; and WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners approved the location of the setting in Downtown Asheboro as significant cultural and educational addition to our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners that: 1. Recognition and Celebration: The Board of Commissioners hereby formally recognizes and celebrates the upcoming dedication of the Charters of Freedom setting on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026. 2. Appreciation: The Board of Commissioners expresses its sincere appreciation to Foundation Forward, Inc. and Randolph County for their dedication to bringing the Charters of Freedom setting to our community. 3. Promotion of Civic Education: The Board of Commissioners encourages all citizens, educators, and students to attend the dedication ceremony and utilize this setting to reflect upon the privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship. 4. Record: This Resolution shall be entered into the official minutes of the Board, and a copy shall be conveyed to Foundation Forward, Inc. as a token of our community's appreciation, and a copy placed in the settings time capsule.  appoint Michael McKenzie and Reappoint Justin Brubaker and Dana Crisco to the Randolph County Public Facilities Corporation;  appoint Rose McDaniel and reappoint Dr. Robert Dough, Jamie Bailey, Dana Crisco, Lynsay Saunders, and Thomas Brown to the Randolph County EMS Peer 10/5/26 Review Committee;  appoint Chairman Frye to be the Voting Delegate and David Allen as the Alternate for the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference;  reappoint Darrell Frye to the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority Board;  appoint Trevor Nuttall to replace Angi Polito and Torri Nelson as an alternate to the Burlington Home Consortia;  approve Budget Amendment - Public Health ($30,657), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #16 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $30,657 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $30,657  approve Budget Amendment - Public Health ($12,016), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #17 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $12,016 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $12,016  approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($13,123), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #18 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous Revenue $13,123 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $13,123  approve Budget Amendment - Public Library ($1,100), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #19 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $1,100 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $1,100  approve Budget Amendment - Forestry Services ($21,084), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $21,084 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Public Safety Appropriations $21,084  approve Budget Amendment - TDA #5 ($279,000), as follows: 10/5/26 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance TDA – Budget Amendment #5 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $279,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Tourism Related Project Costs $279,000  approve Project Amendment #20 - Agricultural Center Capital Project ($279,000), as follows: Agricultural Center Capital Project Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease Contribution from Randolph $279,000 County TDA Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $279,000  approve Budget Amendment - Strategic Planning Grant ($100,000), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #21 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Well Being Reserve $100,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Public Safety Appropriations $100,000  approve Budget Amendment - Voluntary Ag District & Farmland Preservation Grants ($23,700), as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #22 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $23,700 Appropriations Increase Decrease Cooperative Extension $23,700  approve Project Amendment #15 - Seagrove-Ulah WWTP Capital Project ($70,000), as follows: Seagrove-Ulah WWTP Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #15 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Rural Water $70,000 Infrastructure Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Professional Services $70,000 Rural Water & Sewer Infrastructure Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #20 Revenues Increase Decrease 10/5/26 Interest Income $70,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to Seagrove-Ulah WWTP $70,000 Project  approve transfer of property to Randolph Community College;  ratify the vote approving submission of a Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant application for the Randolph County School System;  approve Records Retention Schedule for Register of Deeds. Public Hearing North Carolina General Statute 105-317 prescribes the procedure that the assessor and county commissioners must adhere to for the reappraisal process. On September 1, 2026, Ms. Hill presented the proposed Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules for the 2027 countywide reappraisal. The next step in the process is to hold a public hearing to give the public an opportunity to comment on the true market and present use schedules, standards and rules to be used in the 2027 Reappraisal. Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it as no one spoke. Positions for HR 1 Implementation Tracie Murphy, Social Services Director, said the Randolph County Department of Social Services respectfully requests consideration of seven (7) additional positions to support the increased administrative requirements associated with the implementation of HR1 and related federal and state policy changes impacting SNAP/FNS and Medicaid programs. Beginning in 2026 and beyond, DSS will be responsible for administering new program requirements while still maintaining compliance with increasingly stringent payment accuracy standards and performance expectations. To assist us in meeting these enhanced responsibilities, Randolph County will receive an additional allocation of $562,394.63 in funding designated to support increased administrative costs associated with these changes. This allocation is in addition to the estimated $245,945 in reimbursement that Randolph County will receive through standard monthly reporting for the new positions for the remainder of fiscal year 2026-2027. The requested positions would provide critical staffing capacity to manage the increased workload, improve program accuracy, strengthen oversight, and ensure timely service delivery to citizens. On motion of Rivenbark, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the request for seven additional positions to support HR1 implementation and the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #23 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $808,340 Appropriated Fund Balance $416,899 Appropriations Increase Decrease 10/5/26 Social Services $391,441 Year 2 of the Axon Contract Chief Deputy Steven Nunn said the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office wishes to utilize $9,673 in Law Enforcement Restricted Funds. These funds will be used to cover “Year 2” of the Axon Fleet Advanced Contract for the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the expenditure of Law Enforcement Restricted Funds for year 2 of the Axon Contract and the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance General Fund – Budget Amendment #24 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Fund Balance $9,673 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $9,673 Multi-Year Leases County Manager Zeb Holden said that NCGS 160A-272 and 160A-274 allow the County to lease property on whatever terms it wishes provided adequate notice is given of intent to enter into the lease. The County currently has 3 leases that need approval. Notice of the intent to enter into these leases was duly published in accordance with statute. The City of Asheboro is leasing the County-owned property located at 1453 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro NC, in Northgate Commons, at no charge, for use as a satellite police precinct. That lease has expired, but, this has been a beneficial arrangement for both the County and the City. The City has benefitted by having this satellite station. The County has benefitted by having an increased police presence in close proximity to key County departments. Both Parties would like to see this lease continue. The County also provides space to both the Juvenile Justice Program and the Guardian ad Litem Program. County staff has prepared a lease memorializing the relationship with the Guardian ad Litem Program. The Administrative Office of the Courts is preparing a lease for the Juvenile Justice Program. Both are leases for 3 years at no cost. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolutions Authorizing the Lease of Office Space to the administration office of the court’s Juvenile Justice program, the Guardian ad Litem program, and the City of Asheboro, as follows: WHEREAS, Randolph County has approximately 2,739 square feet of office space located at 176 East Salisbury Street, Suite 104, Asheboro; and WHEREAS, Randolph County finds that the office space (hereinafter the “Premises”) is surplus to the County’s needs; and WHEREAS, Randolph County and the Administrative Office of the Courts (hereinafter “Juvenile Justice”) have agreed upon a lease under which Juvenile Justice will lease the Premises for a term of three years at no charge, beginning October 1, 2026; and 10/5/26 WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §160A-272 authorizes the County to enter into lease of up to ten years upon resolution of the Board of Commissioners adopted at a regular meeting after 30 days’ public notice; and WHEREAS, the required notice has been published and the Board of Commissioners is convened in a regular meeting. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, this 5th day of October, 2026, that the Board of Commissioners hereby approves the lease of the County property described above to Juvenile Justice for three years, at no charge, and directs the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to execute any documents necessary to the lease. WHEREAS, Randolph County has approximately 1,688 square feet of office space located at the lower level of the Old Administration Building at 134 North Fayetteville Street, in Asheboro; and WHEREAS, Randolph County finds that the office space (hereinafter the “Premises”) is surplus to the County’s needs; and WHEREAS, Randolph County and the Guardian ad Litem Program (hereinafter “Guardian”) have agreed upon a lease under which Guardian will lease the Premises for a term of three years, at no charge, beginning October 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §160A-272 authorizes the County to enter into lease of up to ten years upon resolution of the Board of Commissioners adopted at a regular meeting after 30 days’ public notice; and WHEREAS, the required notice has been published and the Board of Commissioners is convened in a regular meeting. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, this 5th day of October, 2026, that the Board of Commissioners hereby approves the lease of the County property described above to Guardian for three years, at no charge, and directs the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to execute any documents necessary to the lease. WHEREAS, Randolph County is the owner of a building located at 1453 North Fayetteville Street, in Asheboro, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, when Randolph County purchased said building, (hereinafter the “Premises”) the Premises was not currently being used by the County and was in need of repair; and WHEREAS, Randolph County finds that the Premises when leased to the City of Asheboro (hereinafter the “City”) previously, were repaired and maintained by the City; and WHEREAS, Randolph County finds it desirable to have a police precinct in close proximity to County Departments located in or near the Northgate Commons; and WHEREAS, Randolph County and the City have agreed to renew a lease under which the City will lease the Premises for a term of five years at no charge, beginning October 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, in consideration of leasing the Premises, the City has agreed to continue to use the Premises as a police precinct and provide general maintenance to the Premises; and 10/5/26 WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute §160A-272 authorizes the County to enter a lease of up to ten years upon resolution of the Board of Commissioners adopted at a regular meeting after 30 days’ public notice; and WHEREAS, the required notice has been published and the Board of Commissioners is convened in a regular meeting. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, this 5th day of October, 2026, that the Board of Commissioners hereby approves the lease of the County property described above to the City of Asheboro for five years at no charge and directs the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to execute any documents necessary to the lease. Randolph County Board of Education Joint Meeting On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to set the annual meeting with the Randolph County School Board of Education for January 11, 2027, at 4:30pm at the Board of Education meeting room. Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule 2027 On motion of Kidd, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Resolution adopting the 2027 Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule, as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A-40(a), the board of commissioners shall hold a regular meeting at least once a month; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153A-40(a) the board of commissioners may, by resolution, fix the time and place of its regular meetings. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the following meeting schedule for all its 2027 regular meetings: Monday, January 4 Tuesday, July 6 Monday, February 1 Monday, August 2 Monday, March 1 Tuesday, September 7 Monday, April 5 Monday, October 4 Monday, May 3 Monday, November 1 Monday, June 7 Monday, December 6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all regular meetings shall be held in the 1909 Historic Courthouse, 145-C Worth St., Asheboro, NC 27203 and shall begin at 6:00 p.m.; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Clerk shall cause a copy of this resolution to be posted and published pursuant to NCGS 153A-40. County Manager’s Updates County Manager Zeb Holden noted that the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber Event th scheduled for October 15 had been cancelled while the Chamber Chair Celebration on th October 16 would be held as intended. Commissioners Updates 10/5/26 None of the Commissioners had any updates. Closed Session At 7:19 p.m., on motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to go into Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 134-318.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, or conditions of appointment of an individual employee. Regular Session Resumed At 7:35 p.m., regular session resumed. Adjournment At 7:36 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 10/5/26