030623
March 6, 2023
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 David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner
Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County
Manager Hal Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney
Ben Morgan, Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco, and Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks.
Chaplain Michael Trogdon from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and
everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on Facebook and
YouTube.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comments on
anything other than property revaluation and recessed it until the end of the meeting for comments
regarding the property revaluation. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment
Rules of Procedure.
Josh Britton, 1124 Westover Terrace, Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the Confederate Statue
still standing in front of the Historic Courthouse.
Judy Saunders, 1402 E. Allred Street, Asheboro, had asked about the cost of the fence around
the Confederate Statue. She was told it cost $37,000 and said that was poor use of taxpayer money.
Doug Nixon and Laura A., Save Our Staley, spoke in opposition to a potential quarry saying
it would only benefit the land owner and the quarry owner. The road cannot handle additional
traffic. They have fear that the water quality would be harmed.
Margie Staley, 133 Cedar Run Dr., Randleman, asked that the Unified Development Ordinance
be revised to restrict mobile homes being put on someone’s land.
Clyde Foust, 3746 Midway Acres Rd., Asheboro, stated that a Resolution had been brought to
the Board for the removal of the Confederate Statue standing in front of the Historic Courthouse.
He presented factual evidence to show why it should be removed.
Ken Rhodes, 712 Stoney Creek Dr., Asheboro, reported to the Board that the Fire Marshal was
issuing a burn ban to the contractor who had been burning brush behind his property.
Faye Holt, 5230 Troy Smith Rd., Liberty, said she cannot sleep because of the Toyota blasting.
The trucks going to the site are running people off the road. She stated she was proud of Julian
Fire Department, the responder in her area.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda, as presented, as follows:
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approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2023
and Special Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2023, February 6, 2023, and
February 9, 2023;
approve Budget Amendment-Ag #7 ($2,000,000), as follows:
Agricultural Center Capital Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #7
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $2,000 ,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Construction $2,000,000
approve 2024 Holiday Schedule (Same as State Schedule);
reappoint Kent Elliott to the Randolph County Board of Equalization and Review;
approve Budget Amendment – Public Health ($2,105), as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #65
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $2,105
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $2,105
approve Budget Amendment – Public Health ($27,473), as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #66
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $27,473
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $27,473
approve Budget Amendment – Soil and Water ($67,175), as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #67
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $67,175
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Soil & Water Conservation $67,175
approve Budget Amendment – Project Red Oak ($67,500), as follows:
Economic Development Reserve
Budget Amendment #7
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to Red Oak Project Grant $67,500
Transfer to General Fund $67,500
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Red Oak Grant Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #1
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Economic Development
$67,500
Reserve
Appropriations Increase Decrease
DOT Road Improvements $67,500
approve Budget Amendment – Public Buildings ($100,000), as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #68
Revenues Increase Decrease
Interest Income $100,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Buildings $100,000
approve Budget Amendment – TDA #9 ($15,700), as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
TDA—Budget Amendment #69
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $15,700
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Petty Project $15,700
approve Budget Amendment – I-74 Industrial Center ($2,800), as follows:
Economic Development Reserve
Budget Amendment #8
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to General Fund $2,800
Transfer to Site Development $2,800
Site Development Ordinance
Budget Amendment #17
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Economic Development
$2,800
Reserve
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Land Purchase $2,800
Medical Assisted Therapy (MAT) at the Detention Center
Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office requested $95,736
to assist in facilitating the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. This is the use of
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medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the
treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery. Funding
would provide the service of two MAT nurses to assist in administering the program. These
services would provide the assistance needed to conduct the program appropriately.
Financial Breakdown:
Annual Cost of “MAT” Nurse Services: $382,940
Monthly Cost: $31,912
April, May and June: $95,736
The current Mediko contract will expire on June 30, 2023. This includes the amendment
presented here today. Renewal costs of both base contract and “MAT” services would place the
new contract at a cost of $1,136,780.
Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton asked the Board to approve a Budget Amendment to allow for
an amendment to the Mediko Contract. This Budget Amendment would cover the last three
months of the contract. She asked Nurse Michelle Hoenig from Mediko to present the information
regarding the MAT program. Nurse Hoenig presented a PowerPoint with the details.
Chairman Frye asked if the three months was a trial period. Chief Deputy Azelton said it was
for the remainder of the contract. The new contract starting in July would include MAT for the
year.
Commissioner Haywood said she was glad that this was being offered.
Commissioner Allen asked if the Sandhills Center had been involved with this process. Chief
Deputy Azelton said they had been speaking with Sandhills in regards to various grants.
Commissioner McDowell asked Nurse Hoenig to restate the amount of coverage that comes
from Medicaid. She stated that Medicaid covers 62% of the medications used in MAT.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd opposing to approve
the Mediko Contract Amendment and the associated Budget Amendment, as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #70
Revenues Increase Decrease
Sales Tax $95,736
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $95,736
Friends of Historic Patterson Cottage Museum, Inc.
Warren Dixon, Ad Hoc Board Member of Friends of Historic Patterson Cottage Museum, Inc.,
asked the Board for an additional $15,725 from Strategic Planning Funds. While renovating their
new space at the former Liberty Hardware Store, they realized that some broken windows were
allowing wildlife to enter the building. They also had to unexpectedly replace the heating and air
conditioning system (HVAC).
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Commissioner Allen said that he hoped the museum will increase traffic and tourism in Liberty.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the request for funding
by Friends of Historic Patterson Cottage Museum, Inc. and the associated Budget Amendment, as
follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #71
Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $15,725
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Other Cultural and Recreational
$15,725
Appropriations
Funding of Cooperative Extension Positions
Kenneth Sherin, County Extension Director, said in September 2021, the Board approved
ARPA funding for two Extension Agent positions. Those positions were the Local/Community
Food Systems Extension Agent and the Digital Literacy and Skills Extension Agent. Both of these
positions fit well within ARPA guidelines and priorities. As the ARPA guidelines became better
understood, it was revealed a sub-award contract would be required between Randolph County
and North Carolina State University (NCSU) to meet regulatory policy. In exploring the proper
execution of this sub-award contract, NCSU policy required 20% of indirect costs to be part of the
grant reward, which was not included in the approved budget. Additionally, creating a contract to
meet ARPA requirements and NCSU requirements seemed unattainable.
These two positions will be vital to the programming and function of the Farm, Food, and
Family Education Center. The County Extension Director proposed to move these positions from
ARPA funded to permanent positions to be paid 100% with County budgeted funds. These
positions will be hired and paid as NC State Extension Agents (State employees) through the
“send-in” process, just as all the other agents. Making this change now will allow Randolph County
Cooperative Extension to properly plan and prepare the FY 23-24 Budget. For the current budget,
funds can be shifted to cover the operational expenses for these two positions.
Presently, 12% of residents in Randolph County suffer from food access issues and 21% of
children live in poverty. The Local/Community Food Systems Agent will collaborate with
partners to develop a support network that provides resources and guidance to local communities
(i.e. food policy councils, community development agencies, and stakeholders) to conduct food
assessments and identify priority food-related projects, including a food hub and commercial
kitchen. The Local/Community Food Systems Agent will provide leadership for the development,
implementation, evaluation, and marketing of effective educational programming in local foods.
Additionally, this position is to address food system needs in the community and increase equitable
access to healthy and affordable food for all Randolph County residents. This position will work
closely with food councils, farmers market managers, N.C. Cooperative Extension educators, other
Randolph County Extension agents, County and State officials, producers, and other food-related
organizations to build partnerships, execute programming, and strengthen the Randolph County
food system.
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The National Skills Coalition and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta just released a study in
February 2023 stating that 92% of jobs now require some level of digital skills and nearly one-
third of U.S. workers do not even have foundational digital skills. The report states, “Investing in
digital skill-building can help individual workers increase their incomes, allow businesses to
thrive, and create positive economic spillover effects for local, state, and national economies.” The
Digital Literacy and Skills Agent position will establish Randolph County as a leader in digital
skills training. It is the goal of the Randolph County Digital Alliance and the Randolph County
Cooperative Extension Center to help Randolph County residents to gain the digital skills needed
to EARN, LEARN and BE WELL in our digital economy.
Mr. Sherin said that making these two positions permanent now will strengthen Cooperative
Extension’s ability to maximize the community impact of both the Farm, Food, and Family
Education Center and the current and future broadband expansion taking place in Randolph
County.
Commissioner Kidd stated these were originally temporary positions. He asked Mr. Sherin if
he wanted them to become permanent. Mr. Sherin said yes. Will Massie, Assistant County
Manager/Finance Officer stated that the original request was for three years. There was not a
Digital Skills person employed very long so not much of the funding was used.
Chairman Frye inquired if both Budget Amendments were required for this request. Mr. Massie
explained that the rest of the original ARPA Funding will need to be returned to that fund and then
the General Fund will need an increase.
Commissioner Allen appreciated the hard work of the current Food Systems Agent, Sophie,
who has served on the Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council. She has also been advocating for
families and farmers markets.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd opposing to approve
the funding sources for the Local/Community Food Systems Agent and the Digital Literacy and
Skills Agent and approve the associated Budget Amendments, as follows:
2022-2023 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #72
Revenues Increase Decrease
Sales Tax $96,600
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Cooperative Extension $96,600
Coronavirus Recovery Grant Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #13
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Food Programs $219,000
Internet Access Programs $250,050
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Contingency $469,050
Update on the Public Hearing Date for the Farmer Fire Tax District
Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, said the Board had set a Public Hearing for the
abolishment of the current Farmer Fire Tax Service District and the creation of a new identical
district without the current fifteen cent cap for April 3, 2023. State law requires that a notice of
this hearing be mailed to owners of real and personal property in the district four weeks in advance
of the hearing. Letters were mailed to property owners in Coleridge-Erect, Fair Grove, Julian,
Northeast, and Staley, and the hearings on April 3, 2023 for those districts can proceed as planned.
A pre-mailing check of the letters for the Farmer district revealed irregularities in the list of
personal property owners for that district. This list had been provided by the North Carolina
Division of Motor Vehicles. Tammie Smith, in the Tax Department, identified the problem.
Therefore, the required notice to the owners of personal property in that district will not be received
in time to hold the Public Hearing as scheduled. We are requesting that the hearing to discuss the
changes to the Farmer district be postponed until May 1, 2023.
On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution
Rescheduling the Public Hearing on the Abolishment of the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Farmer
Fire Protection County Service District and the Creation of a New Service District without the
Cap, as follows:
RESOLUTION RESCHEDULING THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ABOLISHMENT OF
THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED FARMER FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY
SERVICE DISTRICT AND THE CREATION OF A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT
THE CAP
WHEREAS, the Farmer Fire Protection County Service District was formed under
153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue
and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred
dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”;
and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the fifteen (15) cent cap on the tax rate in
the district to be removed; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current
Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer
exists and a public hearing on the matter; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a
county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision
of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no
cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot
exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation,
hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Board moved forward
with the abolition of the Current District and the creation of the Proposed New District
and set a public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on April 3, 2023; and
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WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing should have been mailed to the owners of
real and personal property in the Proposed New District at least four weeks before the
hearing, and the Board directed the Associate County Attorney to oversee and certify
the mailing and publication of said notice; and
WHEREAS, due to irregularities in the list of personal property owners provided by
the DMV, notice was unable to be mailed to those in the Proposed New District four
weeks before the public hearing date of April 3, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board intends to pursue the
abolition of the Capped District and the creation of the Proposed New District and
therefore reschedules the public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on May 1, 2023.
Opioid Settlement Funding Applications Meeting
On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to set a meeting on
March 27, 2023 for Review of the Opioid Settlement Funding Applications.
County Manager Update
County Manager Hal Johnson did not have an update.
Commissioners Updates
None of the Commissioners had any updates.
Revaluation Presentation
Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer, presented some information and
examples to help clarify how the tax rate is potentially determined during a revaluation year.
Chairman Frye explained that this was only an example. He said there has not been a tax
increase for many years. He stated how to appeal the value of property. He said that the Board of
Equalization and Review members hear the cases remain neutral while making their decision.
Commissioner McDowell said he had been asked about the Toyota Manufacturer and how it
affected the tax values. Chairman Frye stated that it would only affect that area where it is.
Return to Public Comment Period
Patricia Hall 1006 E. Chamberlin Dr., Asheboro, opposes the new values. She feels like the
County is price gouging.
Dr. Sam Keith, 888 Mandover Ct., Asheboro, said the values don’t seem to be correct. The
proper change of values wasn’t followed.
David Adcock 114 Renola Dr., Archdale, said he had an appraisal done last year and the values
are not even close.
Benjamin Landreth, 317 Blair Dr., Archdale, stated the increase on his value is too high. He
lives on Social Security.
Carol Campbell, 2313 Kidds Ln, Franklinville, said she had inherited land with a doublewide
with no road frontage. The value was too high.
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Lance Shafley, agrees with leaving the Confederate Statue where it is. He said his taxes went
up 44.7%.
Barry Betts, 8180 Adams Farm Rd., Randleman, is a business owner. He is being asked to
turn in his income for business taxes with the County. This is not fair. It must be the same for
everyone.
Walter Krasuski, 122 W. Pritchard St., Asheboro, said the revaluation was a “slap in the face.”
Sean Walker, 2748 Eden Forest Dr., Sophia, tried to simplify the revaluation for the audience.
He stated that the property tax rate has not been decided. The budget has not been created. It is
premature to be making assumptions.
Ryan Snipes, 2527 Caraway Springs Trl, Sophia, asked the Board to be a representative for
the citizens.
Mike Brinkley, 3253 Mountainview St., Trinity, stated that one cannot compare the value of a
mobile home to a stick-built home.
Justin York, 1966 Leonard York Dr., Randleman, asked what will happen to the adjustment
for the fire departments. Both Chairman Frye and Commissioner Haywood said that citizens are
not coming to the fire department public meetings. Commissioner Kidd agreed.
Billy Farias, 148 Wallace, Franklinville, a Commissioner in Franklinville, asked the Board to
consider the elderly and disabled citizens in the County.
Joe Milliken, 1788 Naomi Rd., Randleman, asked the Board to respect the citizens. He urged
citizens to go to Commissioners meetings to learn and go to the Tax Department and ask about
your value. He said the timing for a revaluation is bad due to the shortage of available property.
Mike Denton, 436 Pleasant Cross Rd., Asheboro, stated Commissioners don’t control the
values. However, they do control the rates. He urged the Board to think about the future of
Randolph County.
Josh Langley, 7045 Brooksdale Rd., Staley, suggested keeping the tax rate the same and
increasing property values by 1% each year.
Chuck LaPrade, 1990 Lewis Thomas Rd., Asheboro, doesn’t understand how his value has
gotten so high.
Rob Steiner, 125 Commerce Pl., Asheboro, owns a business and if he must report his gross
income to the Tax Department, any increase will be passed on to the consumer.
Carol Lobisser, 1395 Langley Rd., Staley, said she “gets the numbers.” She built a house and
has an appraisal from January 2022.
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Kristi Caughron, 3526 Jess Smith Rd., Sophia, said she inherited a farm. The property value
went up. She is independent and will still take care of it by herself.
Steven Maness, 4550 Woodfern Rd., Seagrove, said cows bring the same price as in the year
2000. How are farmers supposed to get compensation from their products?
Chairman Frye suggested enrolling in the Present Use Program and going to the Board of
Equalization & Review.
Melody Gwyn, 1873 Spoons Chapel Church Rd., Asheboro, said once housing values rise,
there is no going back to a lower value. Even with a lower tax rate, she will still be paying more.
She’s done the math. She questioned why the revaluation couldn’t be delayed.
Chairman Frye stated that many people wondered why the reappraisal couldn’t be delayed.
Guilford County had delayed their revaluation and was sued by Duke Power. Duke Power won
the lawsuit.
Pat McGraff, 325 S. Park St., Asheboro, stated she had been involved with the Asheboro City
Council and their budget. She said she was the force behind getting the City to clean up Frazier
Park. She stated the City is irresponsible in spending tax money.
Adjournment
At 8:19 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen-Vice-Chairman
________________________________ _________________________________
Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell
________________________________ _________________________________
Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
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