C050701Closed Session - May 7, 2001
At 4:55 p.m. the Board adjourned to closed session to discuss matters relating to the location
of expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS 143-313.11(a)(4). Commissioners Kemp,
Frye, Holmes, Davis and Mason were present, as well as County Manager Frank Willis; Alice
Dawson, Clerk to the Board; Cheryl Ivey, Deputy Clerk; Alan Pugh, County Attorney; Aimee
Scotton, Staff Attorney; and Bonnie Renfro and Bramley Crisco from Randolph County Economic
Development Corporation.
Bonnie Renfro told the Board that the Town of Liberty reluctantly has decided that they
simply cannot afford their half share of the Liberty Business Park infrastructure cost (total estimated
cost of $100,000 for Lots 2, 3 and IA), even after the Compass Group has revised the infrastructure
proposal. Frank Willis stated that he had even pursued the possibility of Liberty borrowing the money
from the County and paying it back over a 5 -year period. Ms. Renfro stated that she is continuing to
seek other funding sources.
Ms. Renfro told the Board that Ramtex, Inc. is considering a $17 million investment that will
add new equipment to their existing business producing a new product line with an air jet spinning
process. She explained that although no new jobs would be created this expansion will allow the
company to remain competitive in the textile industry, which lately has come under intense pressure,
and it would increase both Randolph County's and the Town of Ramseur's tax base. They are asking
the Board for project -related assistance (unspecified amount) to reduce up -front modification and
equipment installation and support costs. It was the consensus of the Board that agreeing to
financially assist in such a project as this would set a bad precedent since the County has never
assisted with the purchase of new equipment for an existing business and also because this venture
would add no new jobs or infrastructure.
Sealy, Inc., according to Ms. Renfro, is adding a new $3 million information technology and
computer center to their corporate campus, and future plans include construction of a conference
center (available for appropriate community civic use) with meeting space for 100-125. They are
requesting assistance with construction costs for an on-site road to the center with an estimated cost
(paved) of $35,000 (without water and sewer extension). It was decided that Commissioner Frye
would meet with City of Archdale officials to discuss possible joint financial assistance for this road
project.
Ms. Renfro stated that Goodyear is adding a new product line to offset reduction in demand
for core wire product. Start-up costs are estimated at $200-300,000 including the addition of
packaging equipment, conversion and retooling, and retraining of existing workers. Initial prototypes
have been well received and successful launch will add to the Asheboro plant's viability and future
expansion possibilities. Goodyear corporate is under significant fiscal pressure and all plants have
been asked to reduce costs ($1 million for Asheboro plant). One of their strategies is to seek public
assistance (unspecified amount) from the County. Another possibility is to sell a portion of their
unused property.
Ms. Renfro gave the Board a brief update on Confluence Holdings, Inc. The City of Archdale
has set aside $83,000 for this project and is waiting to hear from the State regarding the CDGB. She
stated that approval looks very favorable.
According to Ms. Renfro, the Thomas Built Buses project is also looking more favorable for
Randolph County since the City of Thomasville has agreed to provide sewer infrastructure. She
stated that she may need a quick decision from this Board regarding financial assistance soon.
There being no further closed session business, the Board returned to regular session at 5:53
p.m.
Phil Kemp, Chairman
Darrell L. Frye
Robert B. Davis
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Cheryl A. Ivey, Deputy Clerk to the Board