C041603Closed Session — April 16, 2003
At 5:35 p.m. the Board adjourned to closed session to discuss matters relating to the
location or expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4).
Commissioners Kemp, Holmes, Davis, and Mason were present. Also present were County
Manager, Frank Willis; County Attorney, Aimee Scotton; Clerk to the Board, Alice Dawson; and
Bonnie Renfro and Melissa Foust, representing the Randolph County Economic Development
Corporation.
Ms. Renfro updated the Board on Project Lighthouse (Energizer). Under consideration
by the Asheboro City Council and the Randolph County Commissioners is $1,270,000 in
economic development incentives to be equally divided between the two governments.
Payments would be made over approximately 5 years as various performance measures are met.
Ms. Renfro estimated that payback for both governments, based on current tax rates, would be
around 1.5 years.
Ms. Renfro shared a letter from Skip Sant, Energizer Plant Manager, in which he outlined
the following proposed performance triggers for earning the cash incentives:
• Issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a 94,000 sf expansion at Asheboro I and
capitalization of $20 million in building/equipment (combination of both plants)
o Payment of $300,000
• Cumulative capitalization of $35 million of building/equipment and creation of 15 jobs
(full-time or leased)
o Payment of $250,000
• Cumulative capitalization of $50 million of building/equipment and creation of 25
additional jobs (full-time or leased)
o Payment of $250,000
• Cumulative capitalization of $65 million of building/equipment and creation of 25
additional jobs (full-time or leased)
o Payment of $250,000
• Cumulative capitalization of $80 million of building/equipment
o Payment of $220,000
Ms. Renfro said she had presented identical information to the Asheboro City Council at
their special meeting on April 15, 2003, and that they had adopted a resolution stating their
commitment to this project, contingent on the County's commitment.
Ms. Foust provided information to the Board concerning the York building that is
adjacent to the Energizer property on Albemarle Road. Energizer has been trying to purchase the
York building for years, and they were able to acquire this building April 1, 2003. There are two
tenants in that building who will have to relocate. Ms. Foust is working with them on finding
suitable facilities for relocation.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Holmes, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
project incentives as outlined in Mr. Sant's letter, subject to a vote in open session at a later
time.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Mason, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the
closed session and return to regular session at 6: 00 p.m.