C010499Closed Session - January 4, 1999
At 5:45 p.m. the Board went into closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or
expansion of business in the area served by the Board, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4).
Commissioners Frye, Kemp, Holmes, Davis and Mason were present. Also present were Frank
Willis, County Manager; Alice Dawson, Clerk to the Board; Alan Pugh, County Attorney; Walter
Sprouse and Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. Sonny Bullard,
Liberty Town Manager, was present for the Shoffner Industries discussion only.
Shoffner
Mr. Sprouse described a $2.5 million project Shoffner Industries is planning on a 48 -acre site
just south of Liberty. Water and sewer would have to be extended to the property, at a cost of
approximately $58,000. Mr. Sprouse stated that Liberty would like for the County to pay half this
cost.
Feree Trailer
Mrs. Renfro described a $1.3-$1.5 million project Feree Trailer is planning on a 23 -acre site
just north of Liberty. They will need a water line extension from Liberty to the property, at a cost of
approximately $50,000. Liberty has agreed to fund 50% of this cost and would like for the County to
pay the other half. Mrs. Renfro said that this same line could service the pending Ultra Craft
expansion being planned.
Ramtex
Mrs. Renfro updated the Board on the Ramtex expansion project. Ramtex has narrowed its
choices to sites in Randolph and Stanley Counties and has completed a comparison of the two sites,
based on cost factors such as land, tax rate, water and sewer, cash incentives, state tax credits
transportation, and available work force. They are also considering several intangible incentives.
Mrs. Renfro stated that Stanley County came out better in most categories. Preliminary cost
estimates for the Randleman site are $900,0004100,000 for water/sewer extension and collection
system upgrade and $800,000 for wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The project will qualify for a
community development block grant based on job creation.
Recess
This closed session was recessed at 6:30 p.m. because of a rezoning public hearing scheduled
at this time. This closed session resumed at 8:15 p.m.
Ramtex
Mrs. Renfro reported that Randleman is willing to upgrade their wastewater treatment plant,
at a cost of $800,000, in order to accommodate Ramtex's needs. She also noted that Ramtex is the
second largest taxpayer in Randolph County and that their expansion investment will total $21 million
for phase 1. Phase 2 will consist of $3.1 million for the facility and $8-10 million for equipment.
Mrs. Renfro told the Board they may have to increase their cash incentive in order to tip the scales in
favor of Ramtex locating in Randolph instead of Stanley County.
Serta
Mrs. Renfro stated that Serta has looked at a site along Hwy 311 near Archdale. They would
need a sewer line put in, which would be very expensive. Their investment would be around $6
million.
Discussion/Action
The Board discussed all these projects and decided they are not interested in participating in
the Shoffner, Feree Trailer, and Serta projects.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously agreed that it is their intent
to allocate to Ramtex $300,000 cash incentive and $250,000 local match for a community
development block grant if Ramtex decides to construct its expansion project in Randolph County.
However, before an incentives contract may be signed, the Board must approve these incentives in an
open meeting.
The closed session ended at 8:40 p.m.
Darrell L. Frye, Chairman Phil Kemp
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board