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T. Scott Efird Trent Hatley
Chairman Commissioner
BIll Lawhon Brandon King
Vice Chairman Commissioner
Mike Barbee Billy Mills
Commissioner Commissioner
Patty Crump
Commissioner
Stanly County
Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 2, 2026 – 6:00 PM
1. Call to Order & Welcome
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) met in regular session on Monday, February 2, 2026 in the
Gene McIntyre Meeting Room, Stanly Commons. Chair Efird called the meeting to order at 06:00 PM with
Commissioner Crump giving the invocation and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present:
Chairman T. Scott Efird
Vice Chairman Bill Lawhon
Commissioner Paul Michael Barbee
County Commissioner Patty Crump
County Commissioner Trent Hatley
Commissioner Brandon King
County Commissioner Billy Mills
2. Approval / Adjustments to the Agenda
Chair Efird noted the request to table item 6(A), the National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Proclamation, until the February 16th meeting. Additionally, item 7(E), the January 2026 DMV Refunds, was
tabled for approval until the Board's planning retreat on Friday, February 6th.
Commissioner King moved to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Crump and passed by unanimous vote.
3. Public Comment
None.
4. Scheduled Agenda Items
A. Proclamation Declaring February 9-13, 2026 as National Future Business
Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate Week
Presenter: Dony Santos-Lambur, Chapter President

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This item was tabled until the February 16th meeting.
B. 2025 Outstanding Tax Report
Presenter: Clinton Swaringen, Tax Administrator
In accordance with G.S. 105-369(a), the Tax Collector is required to report the total amount of unpaid taxes for the
current fiscal year that constitute liens on real property to the Governing Body. Upon receipt of this report, the
Governing Body must order the Tax Collector to advertise these tax liens. Once approved, the advertisements will be
placed in the local newspaper during March 2026.
Mr. Swaringen noted that as of January 27, 2026, the total amount of unpaid taxes for FY 2025 was
$2,780,988.96. This amount will continue to decrease as the Collections Office receives additional payments.
Following a brief discussion, Vice Chair Lawhon moved to approve the request to issue an order to advertise these
tax liens during the month of March 2026. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mills and passed by 7-0 vote.
C. Presentation Regarding the Commercial Property Assessed Capital
Expenditure (C-PACE) Program & Associated Resolution of Intent
Presenter: Elizabeth Kazimir, EDC Director
Director Kazimir gave a presentation on the Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program. This state
program allows property owners to obtain long-term financing for qualifying improvements, with payments made through a
special property tax assessment. Because the assessment can be secured by a lien on the property, the program offers lower
interest rates and longer payback periods.
C-PACE is designed to support local governments and property owners in making improvements without upfront costs.
Administered by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), the program promotes sustainability,
reduces utility bills, and can increase both property values and resilience.
Following the presentation, Director Kazimir and County Manager Lucas addressed several questions regarding the
program’s origin, loan rates and terms, lien transfers, default procedures, and the maximum loan amount. They also
discussed local bank participation, the number of other participating counties, and how our county first became aware
of the program.
A request was made for the Board to adopt a resolution of intent to participate. If adopted, a public hearing and a
request for a final resolution approving the county's participation in the program would be scheduled for the next
Board meeting on February 16th.
During the discussion, Vice Chair Lawhon suggested tabling the item to allow Director Kazimir time to meet with
local banks first. Commissioners Mills and Crump expressed similar views.
Vice Chair Lawhon then moved to table the resolution in order to allow Director Kazimir time to facilitate these
meetings with local bank representatives. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Crump and passed
u nanimously.
D. 911/EOC Facility - Radio System Connectivity
Presenter: Kyle Griffin, E911 Communications Director
As requested during the January 20, 2026 meeting, Director Griffin contacted Frank Thomason of Mission Critical
Partners. With Mr. Thompson unable to attend the meeting in person, he provided a letter to the Board confirming the
previous findings determined by Motorola. The letter corroborates that a second microwave hop is necessary to
ensure telecommunicators can reliably contact the various public safety departments when needed.
Following his presentation, Director Griffin responded to questions concerning the proposed financing agreement and
specific details of it.

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With no further discussion, Commissioner Mills moved to authorize staff to proceed with negotiating the terms of the
lease financing agreement for the balance of the bundled Microwave/MPLS project as requested. Commissioner
Crump seconded the motion.
Prior to the vote, Vice Chair Lawhon stated that he feels the county is being placed in a difficult position, and
while he is unhappy with the circumstances, he will support the motion. Commissioner Barbee echoed similar
sentiments as well.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
5. Consent Agenda
Vice Chair Lawhon moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Hatley seconded the motion,
which passed by unanimous vote.
A. Minutes
B. December 2025 Monthly Financial Report
C. Utilities - Budget Amendments 2026-52 & 2026-53
D. Emergency Training Center Project Budget Amendment
E. January 2026 DMV Refunds
F. Replace HVAC units in the Detention Center
G. Utilities - Surplus Items
H. Special Appropriations — America 250 Budget Amendment
6. Board Comments, Announcements & Committee Reports
Commissioner Barbee advised everyone to remain cautious on the roads given the snow and ice the county has
experienced over the past two weeks. Commissioner Mills and Vice Chair Lawhon expressed their appreciation to the
County Attorney, Clerk, and County Manager for their attendance despite the inclement weather.
Chair Efird also expressed his appreciation for all county employees, especially the public safety personnel who
have worked through recent weather conditions to ensure citizens' safety.
7. Recess
Chair Efird recessed the meeting until Friday, February 6th, at 9:00 a.m. for the Board's planning retreat at the Stanly
County Airport Conference Room.
______________________________ ______________________________
W. D. Lawhon, Jr., Vice Chair Tyler Brummitt, Clerk