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Greg Edds, Chairman Aaron Church, County Manager
Jim Greene, Vice-Chairman Sarah Pack, Clerk to the Board
Mike Caskey John W. Dees, II, County Attorney
Judy Klusman
Craig Pierce
Rowan County Board of Commissioners
130 West Innes Street ∙ Salisbury, NC 28144
Telephone 704-216-8181 ∙ Fax 704-216-8195
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
ROWAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 16, 2026 – 6:00 PM
J.NEWTON COHEN, SR. ROOM
J.NEWTON COHEN, SR. ROWAN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
PRESENT:
Greg Edds, Chairman
Jim Greene, Vice-Chairman (entered where noted)
Craig Pierce, Commissioner
Judy Klusman, Commissioner
Mike Caskey, Commissioner
County Manager Aaron Church, County Attorney Jay Dees, Clerk to the Board Sarah Pack
and Finance Director Anna Bumgarner were also present.
Call to Order
Chairman Edds called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Chaplain Michael Taylor provided a
solemnizing prayer. Chairman Edds lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consider Additions to the Agenda
Chairman Edds said that the following items would be added to the agenda:
• Add Two Seats to the Agriculture Advisory Board (Added to Board Appointments)
• Set a Public Hearing: Personnel Ordinance Text Amendment (Consent Item II)
Consider Deletions From the Agenda
Commissioner Pierce asked to pull Consent Item G, Approve Coughenour Property Purchase
and Associated Budget Amendment and place it on the Regular Agenda as Item H. He also asked
for clarification on Consent Item I, RCC Concourse & Exterior Signage Project – ADW
Architects – Furniture Design Services, which was moved to the Regular Agenda as Item I.
**Clerk’s note: the order of these items was changed during the meeting. These changes are
reflected later in the minutes.**
Consider Approval of the Agenda
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Klusman, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the agenda as
amended.
Consider Approval of the Consent Agenda
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Klusman, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda as amended, as follows:
Equal Opportunity Employer

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A. Consider Approval of the Minutes - 1/20/26 Regular Meeting
B. Budget Amendments, as follows:
6400- Animal Services Appropriate funds to cover contracted out $13,000
Spays and neuters for cats and dogs
4330- Emergency Services Appropriate funds for replacement radios $14,664
for fire districts
6200- Parks & Rec Appropriate funds to recognize funds $60,000
recived from NC Dept of Natural Cultural
Resources
4330- Emergency Services Transfer funds to cover Contract 26194 $157,400
for EMS Location study
4125- Finance Transfer funds to EDC account for Lead $45,000
generaction activitues
4112- General Government Transfer funds to cover purchase of $5,010
property
4112- General Government Appropriate funds to cover Womble $60,000
contract for attorneys
C. Change Order # 10 - Holden Building Co. - RCC-Health Department Project
D. Free Health Screenings at Rowan County Parks
E. Amendment #2 — The HG High Road, Inc (Veterans Social) — RCC Lease
F. Refund to Blue Cross Blue Shield
G. Approve Coughenour Property Purchase and Associated Budget Amendment (**Moved
to Regular Agenda**)
H. Farmland Preservation Fund Revision and Agricultural Growth Zone Grant
I. RCC Concourse & Exterior Signage Project – ADW Architects – Furniture Design
Services (**Moved to Regular Agenda**)
J. Approve — Content & Placement — Commemorative Signage — Sloan Park
K. GRANTS: NC Science Museums Grant Funding Award
L. Proclamation recognizing Libraries with Heart Awareness Month in Rowan County
M. GRANTS: 2026 Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Program
N. Statement of Work (SOW) - Radio Communications Consulting - Federal Engineering
O. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: BUILD Grant Letter of Support
P. Work Authorization — Architectural Services for Property Selection & Design –
Emergency Services - ADW
Q. Grant Agreement (1 of 2) for Airfield Lighting Rehabilitation
R. Grant Agreement (2 of 2) for Airfield Lighting Rehabilitation
S. Sole Source - NCPLDA - FY26-30
T. Revised Resolution for Novant Health on Involuntary Commitment Transports
U. 2025 NC Office of State Human Resources Substantial Equivalency Monitoring Forms
V. Schedule Public Hearing-Road Naming-Jacob Bost Rd
W. Change Order #1- Salcoa Contracting, Inc. - Dan Nicholas Park Wildlife Restroom
Renovations
X. Change Order #1 - Lafave's Construction Co. - Recycling Roof Replacement
Y. Health Department Water Service
Z. Award/Approve Dan Nicholas Park Bathhouses & Restroom Renovations — GCL
Development, LLC.
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AA. VTS and Tax Refunds for Approval
BB. Project Funding Request with Novant Health for P&R
CC. Reallocation of budgeted funds to Rowan EDC
DD. GRANTS: Approve Accepting Scrap Tire Disposal Grant Program Award
EE. Request to Set Public Hearing - FY27 Fare Increase
FF. Schedule quasi-judicial hearing for SUP 01-26; Kevin Settineri, for March 2, 2026
GG. Sole-Source - Carolina Recordings Systems LLC FY26-32 - Revised
HH. Policy Exemption — Spay/Neuter Surgery Agreement—Community Pets Mobile
Veterinary Clinic
II. Set a Public Hearing: Personnel Ordinance Text Amendment (**Agenda Addition**)
Public Comment Period
Chairman Edds opened the floor for Public Comment and closed it after everyone wishing to
speak had done so.
Jim Fetchero gave handouts to the Board regarding passenger train travel (Attachment A).
He discussed passenger train service in North Carolina.
Bobby Kemp discussed his concerns regarding veterans in Rowan County.
Special Recognitions
County Manager Aaron Church and the Board recognized graduates of the Civic Leadership
Academy and presented each person with a certificate.
Vice-Chairman Greene entered the meeting at 6:26 p.m.
Public Hearing – North Hills Christian School
County Attorney Jay Dees introduced Attorney Connor Crews of McGuireWoods LLP. Mr.
Crews said North Hills Christian School is seeking to borrow money through a conduit revenue
bond issuance by the Public Finance Authority, a Wisconsin governmental body (“PFA”), that
serves as an issuer of conduit bonds for nonprofit organizations (including independent schools
like North Hills) across the country. In order for interest on these bonds to be exempt from
federal income tax, federal tax rules require an elected body with jurisdiction over the nonprofit
organization’s financed facilities approve the issuance “in principle” after holding a public
hearing. Because the School’s facilities are located in the County, the Board of Commissioners is
eligible to serve as that elected body and provide the necessary approval after a public hearing.
The School—not the County—will have the sole responsibility to repay the debt incurred
through the bond issuance, and approval will not subject the County to any liability.
The School requests that the Board of Commissioners take two actions: (1) hold the required
public hearing, and (2) adopt a resolution approving the issuance of the bonds.
At 6:38 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
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On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution
Approving In Principle the Issuance of Not to Exceed $18,000,000 of the Public Finance
Authority Education Revenue Bonds for North Hills Christian School.
Public Hearing & Incentive Request – Project Paddock
Scott Shelton, Rowan EDC Vice President, said the company behind Project Paddock has
been in business for ten years and is seeking to expand its manufacturing capabilities. The
company is currently evaluating potential properties in other counties in North Carolina and the
western United States for a new facility. A property in Rowan County is among the candidates
for this new facility. If our community was selected, the company would create 25 new jobs over
the next three years, as well as invest $32 million in real and business personal property for this
project. The company plans to begin operations at its chosen location in early 2027.
There do not appear to be any regulatory barriers to this project moving forward. The
company will work with local officials and the Rowan County Building Inspections Department
to navigate the appropriate review and permitting process. There are no components of the
proposed project that appear outside the normal scope of operations for these types of facilities.
Rowan County’s adopted Investment Grant Program provides a five-year grant to companies
investing in our community. The grant is established by a contract between the company and the
County. The company must pay their taxes in full each year based on the actual tax value of the
property or investment to be eligible to receive the grant. If the company meets all of the criteria
in the contract, a grant is issued to the company based on a percentage of taxes paid. Rowan
County uses a scoring system to determine incentive eligibility and grant levels. This system
awards points based on important factors such as capital investment, total job creation, average
salary, employee health insurance coverage, and industry sector. Each of the three grant levels
requires a minimum number of points scored.
Based on the project parameters provided to the Rowan EDC by the company and other
representatives, Project Paddock’ scored a total of 5 points which would qualify it for a Level 1
Grant (scoresheet included on page 8). This grant would be equivalent to 40% of the new taxes
paid. The company is requesting a Level 1 Grant under this program for the amount and duration
adopted in the policy. In order to illustrate the financial impact of this potential project on the
County we have projected revenue returns over a 10-year period.
If Rowan County were chosen, Project Paddock plans to begin operations in early 2027. The
overall investment timeline is based on information provided to the Rowan EDC by the company
and other representatives. The evolving nature of County tax rates, assessed value of the installed
equipment, and construction timelines require certain assumptions in order to develop a
functioning model. To establish a baseline, the following constants were applied:
• The County tax rate is fixed at the current rate of $0.58
• The company invests an estimated $17 million in real property improvements by the end
of 2026
• The company invests a total of $15 million in business personal property by the end of
2028 with the initial investment of $7 million being made by the end of 2026
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• Depreciation for business personal property was estimated using the State of North
Carolina’s 2026 Depreciation Schedule B
• Twelve-year lifespans were assumed for all business personal property depreciation
In application, it is unlikely that all assumptions will hold constant. The model provides
general trends of expected revenues and expenditures. Incorporating the above framework, the
following outcomes are projected:
• During the five incentivized years, the County would stand to collect $819,308 in
revenue and provide incentive grants totaling $327,723. The County would retain
$491,585 of revenue during the incentive term.
• Modeled with a 10-year horizon, the County would stand to collect an estimated
$1,570,060, disburse a $327,723 grant and retain an estimated $1,242,337 of new
revenue.
This project appears to have several benefits and no apparent liabilities. If Rowan County
were chosen, Project Paddock would create a total of 25 new full-time jobs, as well as add
millions to the County’s tax base. The project would also generate approximately $1.24 million
of new net tax revenue for the County over a ten-year period. The average wage is
approximately $81,000 annually.
At 6:44 p.m. Chairman Edds opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to
speak.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Klusman, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Level 1 Grant
to Project Paddock for the terms stated in the County’s adopted Incentive Grant Program policy.
Presentation – RCC Storage Building Revision
Craig Powers, Director of Engineering, introduced Phillip Steele, Managing Principal of
ADW Architects.
Mr. Steele said the proposal includes constructing a new pre-engineered metal building
adjacent to the existing community center to provide practical storage for agricultural and
maintenance equipment, integrated with the site's landscape features including trees, pathways,
drainage, and future expansions.
Base Bid Design
• Building dimensions: 40'-2" x 72'-8" (2,925 gross square feet).
• Features a simple rectangular layout with multiple large overhead garage-style doors, fire
extinguishers, exposed steel structure with blanket insulation, suspended fans, and basic
site elements like dumpster location and accessible parking.
Add Alternate Design
• Larger building: 40'-2" x 90'-4" (3,628 gross square feet), adding one extra bay for
increased capacity.
• Includes extended footprint, additional doors, and minor site adjustments for circulation.
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Estimated Costs
• Building cost: $507,678; Site work: $67,296
• Add alternates: Skylights ($4,841); Additional bay ($114,995)
• Sub-total construction (with alternates): $694,810
• Owner contingency (5%): $34,740
• Total construction estimate: $729,550
• Design cost: $67,500
• Total estimated project cost (including all alternates): $797,050
Proposed Schedule
• Bidding Schedule (4 weeks): Bid posting (February 5, 2026); Pre-bid meeting (February
13, 2026); Questions due (February 20, 2026); Bids due (March 6, 2026).
• Construction Schedule: 6 months.
There was general discussion regarding how the building would be used and design elements
that reflect those usages. Commissioner Pierce requested an Alternate with a partition wall.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 5-0 to approve this project
(including an alternate with a partition wall) to go out to bid.
Presentation – RCCC GO Bonds
Anna Bumgarner introduced Amy Vitner, Managing Director at First Tryon Advisors.
Ms. Vitner presented an overview of Rowan County’s proposed issuance of approximately
$45 million in General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund capital projects for Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College.
The proposed financing includes a competitive bond sale on March 10, 2026, with closing
scheduled for March 31, 2026, at which time bond proceeds would be available. Key milestones
include:
• February 16, 2026 – Adoption of bond resolution details by the Board
• March 2, 2026 – Approval of the FY 2025 audit
• March 3, 2026 – Distribution of offering documents
• March 10, 2026 – Bond sale
• March 31, 2026 – Closing and receipt of funds
She reviewed preliminary repayment scenarios comparing a 15-year and 20-year term:
• A 15-year term results in lower total interest cost (approximately $12.6 million) but
higher annual debt service, with the debt retired by 2041.
• A 20-year term results in lower annual debt service but higher total interest cost
(approximately $18.4 million), extending repayment through 2046.
As of June 30, 2025, Rowan County’s total long-term governmental debt is approximately
$129.6 million, all at fixed interest rates, with an average interest rate of approximately 3.92%.
Debt levels are low and manageable.
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There was general discussion about funding sources. Commissioner Pierce advocated for
paying the debt as it is incurred rather than all at once and immediately beginning to pay the
interest. Chairman Edds explained his thoughts on paying down debt with cash. The question is
whether to pay existing debt.
Ms. Vitner reported that governmental debt service as a percentage of expenditures has
historically remained low and is budgeted at approximately 7.0–7.1% for FY 2025–2026.
Issuance of the proposed bonds is projected to temporarily increase this percentage to
approximately 8.6% before declining. Peer comparisons indicate Rowan County remains near
median ranges for comparable North Carolina counties.
Ms. Vitner concluded that Rowan County has the financial capacity to support the proposed
bond issuance. The increase in debt ratios is expected to be modest and temporary, and the
financing is considered affordable within the County’s existing budget framework. Establishing
formal debt affordability guidelines was recommended for future planning, including a capital
expenditure plan.
Ms. Bumgarner said the bond ratings have remained the same. There was general discussion
regarding other funding options and market rates.
Connor Crews, McGuireWoods LLP, weighed in on types of bonds and the county’s
relationship with each.
Approve RCCC GO Bond Resolution
On motion of Greene, seconded by Caskey, the Board voted 4-1 (Pierce opposed) to approve
a Resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation community college bonds,
series 2026 of the County of Rowan, North Carolina, pursuant to a bond order heretofore
approved and providing for the form, details and payment thereof.
Commissioner Klusman stepped out of the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
Board Appointments
On motion of Caskey, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 4-0 to make the following board
appointments:
• Ken E. Deal to an At Large seat on the Bostian Heights Volunteer Fire Department Fire
Commissioner Board.
• Diane Elizabeth Burney to a County seat on the Enochville Volunteer Fire Department
Board of Trustees.
• Ephraim R. Sloan to an At Large seat on the Historic Landmarks Commission.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Caskey, the Board voted 4-0 to accept Bethany Perez’
resignation from the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 4-0 to make the following board
appointments:
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• Sarah Lucas-Hooton to the Rowan County Health Department Representative seat on the
Local Emergency Planning Committee.
• Wesley Jackson, Jr. to the Rowan County HAZMAT Coordinator seat on the Local
Emergency Planning Committee.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 4-0 to make the following board
appointments:
• Jonathan Wayne Jenkins to a County seat on the Locke Volunteer Fire Department Fire
Commissioner Board.
• Todd M. Kidd to a County seat on the Miller Ferry Volunteer Fire Department Board of
Trustees.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 4-0 to make the following board
appointments:
• Dr. Anthony Davis to a County seat on the Rowan Economic Development Council.
• Cynthia Mynatt to a County seat on the Rowan Economic Development Council.
• Cliff Ritchie to a County seat on the Rowan Economic Development Council.
• R. Victor Wallace to a County seat on the Rowan Economic Development Council.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 4-0 to accept John Hall’s
resignation from his At Large seat on the Rowan Transit System Advisory Board and to accept
Nicholas Bader’s resignation from his At Large seat on the Therapeutic Recreation Board.
Commissioner Klusman rejoined the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Caskey, the Board voted 5-0 to make the following board
appointments:
• Mark Jennings to an ETJ seat on the Town of Rockwell Planning and Zoning Board.
• Drew Shaver to an ETJ seat on the Town of Rockwell Planning and Zoning Board.
• Dallene Yontz to an ETJ seat on the Town of Rockwell Planning and Zoning Board.
Add Two Seats to the Agriculture Advisory Committee
Chairman Edds explained the need for commissioner representation on the Agriculture
Advisory Board in order to converse with the agriculture community.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Caskey, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the addition of two
ex officio Commissioner seats on the Agriculture Advisory Committee.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Pierce, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Greg Edds and Jim
Greene to the Commissioner seats on the Agriculture Advisory Board.
RCC Concourse & Exterior Signage Project – ADW Architects – Furniture Design
Services (Pulled from Consent Agenda)
**Clerks’s Note: this item was moved up in the agenda order.**
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Director of Engineering Craig Powers said this item can be removed from the agenda until a
later date.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 5-0 to remove the RCC
Concourse and Exterior Signage Project – ADW Architects – Furniture Design Services from the
agenda.
Approve Coughenour Property Purchase and Associated Budget Amendment (Pulled from
Consent Agenda)
**Clerks’s Note: this item was moved up in the agenda order.**
County Attorney Jay Dees explained that this request involved a piece of property that the
County needed to acquire.
On motion of Pierce, seconded by Greene, the Board voted 5-0 to approve (1) the purchase
of 0.231-acre parcel from Paul Coughenour and Wife for $5,000 to satisfy the request of Three
Rivers Land Trust for Rowan County to comply with its underlying conservation easement that
prohibited the transfer of this parcel which occurred more than 20 years ago but was recently
discovered in an audit of its conservation easement along Grants Creek adjacent to the airport,
and (2) the corresponding budget amendment for $5,010.00 that includes additional $10.00 for
recording fees.
Financial Report
Anna Bumgarner, Finance Director, presented the financial report through January 2026:
• Cumulative expenditures through January were up 6.1% compared to the same time
last year
• Cumulative revenues through January were up 0.2%.
• Current year property tax through December was up 5.5%.
Current-year property tax collections through December have grown strongly to $99.87
million in FY2026, up 5.5% from FY2025 and significantly higher than earlier years.
Cumulative sales tax receipts through October total $14.88 million in FY2026, a modest 3.3%
rise over FY2025 but still below the FY2024 peak of $17.04 million, while October’s monthly
sales tax came in at $3.645 million.
The county’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2025, totals $274.03 million and
remains conservatively positioned, with 86.87% in the North Carolina Capital Management
Trust yielding 3.74%, 11.89% in U.S. Treasuries and government agencies yielding 1.189%, and
1.23% in money market instruments; year-to-date interest earnings since July 1, 2025, amount to
$6.10 million, though the overall portfolio yield declined 31 basis points from the prior year due
to falling rates. Overall, the report reflects rising expenditures and solid property tax growth,
stable revenues, modest sales tax performance, and continued strong returns from a low-risk
investment strategy.
Closed Session
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On motion of Edds, seconded by Pierce, the Board voted 5-0 to enter into closed session
pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(1) to consider approval of the minutes of the Closed Session
held on January 20, 2026, as described by NCGS 143- 318.10(e), and pursuant to NCGS 143-
318.11(a)(3), to consult with an attorney.
Resume Open Session
At 8:50 p.m. Open Session resumed.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Pierce, the Board voted 5-0 to approve an increase in the
contract with Womble Bond Dickinson from $80,000 to $135,000.
On motion of Edds, seconded by Caskey, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize the Chief Finance
Officer to execute a fund balance appropriation/budget amendment for $60,000 to cover the cost
of the contract increase.
Adjournment
At 8:51 p.m., on motion of Pierce, seconded by Edds, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
______________________________________
Sarah Pack, CMC, NCCCC
Clerk to the Board
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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Attachment A
Jim Fetchero
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