Tag Archive for: #vancecountyboardofcommissioners

TownTalk: Vance County Commissioners Planning Retreat Coverage Pt. 4 – Economic Development

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Economic development is top of mind for many in the area: more businesses locating here means more jobs and more tax revenue. County leaders like Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse know that prospective industries look at a variety of factors when considering where to locate. It’s not some mysterious, unknown list: businesses are looking for, among other things, a well-trained workforce, shovel-ready sites and buildings ready to be upfitted.  Other factors like tax incentives and the presence of existing infrastructure can make or break a decision, too.

Rouse reviewed the county’s economic development picture during the recent retreat of the Vance County Board of Commissioners.

He took a few moments to look back at 2025 and then started in on what the 2026 picture is looking like so far.

Unemployment inched up a bit last year, but the overall number of jobs is up in the county, he noted.

The county’s biggest employers remain in the social systems, retail and health care sectors, he said, with health care related jobs having continued shortages

There’s a greater need for what Rouse called “front line employees” like RNs and CNAs.

Through strong partnerships such as those with Maria Parham Health, Kerr-Tar COG and the city of Henderson, Rouse said the county is working “to put our best foot forward” to address needs.

What the county needs most, he said, are shovel-ready sites that are available for quick turnaround when prospective business and industry send out their inquiries.

The county plenty of sizable tracts – 50 acres, 100 acres, but it’s the infrastructure that sometimes is lacking. If there are roads to access the properties, there may not be water. If there’s water and sewer available, the fiber internet capability may be lacking.

“We’re a victim of our own success,” Rouse said, referring to North Carolina’s number one ranking among states when it comes to economic development and success.

A lot of peer counties – those counties that are similar in nature to Vance when it comes to being ready for economic development – are operating at an optimum level.

That puts them in a better spot to land the business or industry, and “makes us less competitive on time-sensitive projects.”

When state leaders field inquiries and then pass them on to counties, they often expect a quick turnaround – if the county can’t provide detailed responses in a week, they get passed over, he said.

One recent victory came when the China-based company Syntec Precision Technology announced that it’s coming to Vance County, bringing 60 jobs and a $10 million investment as it locates a medical component manufacturing facility here.

Rouse and his team are taking information from a couple of studies – the Golden Leaf Site Selection Study and the Timmons group – to find the truly best sites and focus energies on acquiring those tracts,” he said.

With this multi-pronged approach – grant funding, targeting attractive sites and working with a good group of partners, Rouse said the county is taking positive steps to “put ourselves in a good position to make Vance County successful and have the growth that we desire.”

 

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The Local Skinny! VC Fire Dept. Provides Certification Update At Commissioners’ Meeting

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Vance County Fire Chief Marvin Harrison got something Monday from the Vance County Board of Commissioners that he may not have been expecting: a standing ovation.

Harrison shared with commissioners the recent certifications members of his department had received in the areas of medium and rescue and emergency medical responder from the N.C. Rescue and Emergency Management Services Commission.

Commissioner Tommy Hester commended Harrison for his efforts. “The job you’ve done here (is) outstanding in moving this forward. Your leadership has made this happen,” Hester said.

In prepared remarks, Harrison thanked commissioners for their support “to build a strategic plan and follow through with action.”

In the past few months, the county’s fire department has acquired equipment that has strengthened its operational capabilities in measurable ways, Harrison said.

“Vance County Fire is not keeping pace,” he continued, “we are positioning ourselves to lead in public safety and service delivery.”

He said he is proud of the fire personnel for continuing to pursue additional training and certifications that will raise the professional standard of the department. He included the volunteer department’s staffs as well, saying they were making the same commitment.

“It speaks volumes about the culture we are building,” Harrison said. “Rooted in service, accountability and pride in protecting Vance County.”

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TownTalk: VC BoC Discuss Revaluation Cycle, Jail Health Coverage, & Upcoming Budget

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to change the tax revaluation cycle from 8 years to 6 years.

Commissioner Tommy Hester made the motion to shorten the tax cycle, and several other commissioners chimed in to express support. Commissioner Dan Brummitt voted against the motion.

“I understand the concept, but we’re not there yet,” Brummitt said during discussion of the issue at the Feb. 16 meeting.

“I understand we need to be talking about it, but we’re not there yet,” he reiterated, adding that the local market had stabilized somewhat. The most recent tax revaluation and subsequent higher tax bills, fueled by what Brummitt called a “market anomaly,” was no longer occurring, contributing to the more stable prices.

“I don’t think now is the time to do it,” he said.

County Manager C. Renee Perry brought up the issue during her report to commissioners. Perry said she would expect the price tag for a typical revaluation to come in at about $695,000.

The most recent revaluation cost about $900,000 because commissioners had asked for a full measurement of all properties which required more time – and money – to complete.

Perry said the county could expect revenue of between $1.1 million and $1.5 million every 6 years.

“Of course, there’s a cost associated with it, but we would realize revenue quicker than we what we would normally realize revenue,” Perry stated.

Brummitt cited an increased county budget over the last few years and has said previously that he would like to see the county spend less.

“Our budget has gone from $47 million to $68 million in four years and our taxpayers are hurting,” he said. “We need to do whatever we can to try to cut the costs for our taxpayers.”

Hester said nobody, himself included, likes to pay taxes. “But going eight years was a big sticker shock – a big, big sticker shock.”

Health care at the county detention center was also part of Perry’s report to commissioners.

She recommended, and the commissioners approved, that Southern Health Partners once again provide health care for detainees at the county jail.

The present provider, ACH, wanted more than $1 million to continue – up from about $400,000 in the current agreement and wanted to provide 24/7 services. Perry said this service is not a service the jail needs.

After speaking with several other providers, Perry said she recommended Southern Health Partners to begin services in early March.

This company had provided health care to the jail until a few years ago, citing safety concerns as the main reason for pulling out.

The county will pay Southern Health Partners just more than $435,000 to provide the necessary care to detainees. Because the company also works in nearby counties, it will be easier to get coverage when necessary.

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TownTalk: VC BoC Adds Dress & Appearance Policy

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners voted for and adopted a dress and appearance policy at their recent board meeting.

(Our WIZS written coverage will appear here soon.)

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The Local Skinny! State Elections Board Vacates Local Decision In Perdue District 4 Residency Appeal

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In a 3-2 vote Wednesday morning, the N.C. State Board of Elections vacated a decision of the Vance County Board of Elections, paving the way for candidate Kelley Wade Perdue to remain a candidate for the District 4 seat on the Vance County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Dan Brummitt had challenged Perdue’s residency in District 4, prompting the county board of elections to hold an evidentiary hearing on Jan. 22. The board voted 4-1 that Perdue hadn’t proved her case that she resides or maintains a domicile with District 4, but rather in District 2.

At Wednesday morning’s hearing, the state board of elections heard from Perdue’s attorney, Steven Walker. Perdue was present at the online meeting but did not address the panel.

Walker reviewed evidence that Perdue had provided showing the District 4 address on documents ranging from a driver license and voter registration to property, utility and bank records – all showing the same District 4 address.

Walker stated that she had temporarily moved her residence – and voter registration – because of illness, “but always intended for her domicile to be in District 4.”

Perdue renewed her driver license and voter registration in September 2024. Both reflect the District 4 address.

Looking at the whole record in this case, Walker asserted that the Vance County Board of Elections had come to the “wrong conclusion” and asked the panel to reverse the local board’s decision.

A motion by Stacy “Four” Eggers, IV to uphold the earlier decision failed 3-2 and a subsequent motion by Jeff Carmon to vacate the local board’s decision passed 3-2.

Perdue told WIZS News Wednesday she was grateful that the appeals process worked as it was intended and that her appeal was ultimately upheld.

“This experience reaffirmed an important principle: when citizens believe their rights have been compromised, they deserve a fair, lawful, and transparent process to seek resolution,” Perdue said.

“Throughout this appeal, I stood firm, followed the law, and respectfully pursued every available avenue to protect my rights—not just for myself, but because those same protections must exist for every citizen of Vance County. The rule of law matters most when it is tested, and this process demonstrated why due process and accountability are essential to our local democracy.

“As a candidate for the Vance County Board of Commissioners, District 4, this experience has only strengthened my commitment to stand up for fairness, equal treatment, and the rights of the people I seek to serve. Just as I fought for my own rights through the proper legal channels, I will bring that same determination, integrity, and persistence to advocating for the citizens of Vance County.”

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City, County Declare States Of Emergency As Winter Storm Bears Down On N.C.

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City and county leaders have declared states of emergency in advance of the weekend’s predicted winter storm, which could bring create dangerous conditions as it moves east over the next couple of days.

In a called emergency meeting of the City Council Thursday afternoon, Henderson Mayor Melissa Elliott said she would put in place the state of emergency for the city because of the chance of hazardous road conditions and the potential for power outages as a result of the storm’s sleet and freezing rain, expected to accumulate on roads, trees and utility lines.

On Friday morning, Vance County Board of Commissioners Chair Carolyn Faines also issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency for the county through Tuesday of next week.

The proclamation by Faines further states that the county’s Emergency Operations Plan will be in effect, and “all applicable mutual assistance compacts and agreements are in effect and shall remain in effect until this proclamation expires or is rescinded.”

Perdue Appeals To State Board Of Elections Following Jan. 22 Challenge Hearing On Residency

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Vance County Board of Commissioners candidate Kelly Wade Perdue said she has filed an appeal with the N.C. State Board of Elections following a decision earlier  Thursday about her residency in the district in which she filed. Perdue told WIZS News late Thursday afternoon that she will be notified about a future hearing date after the next board meeting.

District 4 Commissioner Dan Brummitt filed a residency challenge on Jan. 8 during the filing period for the March 3 primary. That assertion was upheld in a 4-1 vote by the panel that heard evidence and statements by both individuals. The Vance County Board of Elections served as the panel hearing the matter; it concluded that Perdue had not proved her case concerning her residency.

Shortly after the hearing ended, Perdue told WIZS News that she had already begun completing the necessary paperwork.

Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles confirmed that Perdue can appeal the matter to the state board of elections.

The Vance County Board of Elections served as the panel for the challenge hearing, which began at 10 a.m. in the commissioners’ conference room. The vote was 4-1 that Perdue had not presented sufficient evidence to support that her residence is within District 4.

In Brummitt’s closing remarks, he said he had initiated the challenge after hearing from constituents that Perdue lived elsewhere.

Perdue contended that she is in the process of building a new home in the Watkins community, which is in District 4. She maintained that she owns several properties in District 4, one of which is the site of her future home.

The meeting lasted more than 90 minutes, following a formal process of the challenged candidate – Perdue – and the challenger – Brummitt – presenting opening statements, followed by presentation of evidence and cross-examination. After the presentations, the panel deliberated and the meeting concluded with the 4-1 vote in favor of the challenger.

Board Of Elections Sets Jan. 22 As Date To Hear Residency Challenge In District 4 Commissioners’ Contest

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In a meeting Monday afternoon, the Vance County Board of Elections set a hearing date of Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. to consider a challenge lodged by a Vance County commissioner concerning the residency of a candidate who has filed to run for a seat on the board of commissioners.

District 4 Commissioner Dan Brummitt has called into question the residence of Kelley Wade Perdue, who filed to run for the District 4 seat.

“I had some constituents call me with some concerns about where she lived,” Brummitt told WIZS News Monday. Brummitt said after some investigating, “it appears that she does not live at the address that she has listed…there was enough evidence to demonstrate that she doesn’t live in that house. She’s got to provide evidence otherwise,” he added.

Perdue told WIZS that she has been a registered voter in District 4 for years.

“During that time, I voted for Commissioner Dan Brummitt without any questions being raised about my residency. Now that he is being challenged for his seat, my residency has suddenly been questioned. I look forward to working with the Board of Elections. I’m excited to champion a new voice for District 4,” Perdue stated.

Vance County Board of Elections Director Haley Rawles told WIZS that the board of elections will hear from both sides – Brummitt, the “challenger,” and Perdue, the “challenged candidate,” as part of the official proceedings on Jan. 22. The hearing is open to the public and will take place in the commissioners’ meeting room on the second floor of the county office building, 122 Young Ave.

(This information was originally posted January 13th)

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TownTalk: Vance County Board Retreat Recap – Part 2

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The Vance County Board of Commissioners’ annual retreat gives commissioners and county staff an opportunity to exchange information and opinions as they discuss a variety of topics that are sure to come up in 2026.

In the Jan. 9 retreat, there was a lot of discussion about revenues and spending, giving commissioners and staff a glimpse into what likely will be a part of future budget discussions.

In Commissioner Dan Brummitt’s view, it’s less a matter of money coming in than money going out and more about being more efficient when it comes to spending.

“I don’t believe we have a revenue problem,” Brummitt said during the retreat. “I believe we have an expense problem.”

County Manager Renee Perry assured the commissioners that the county doesn’t “just spend money” for the sake of spending. “We don’t have enough revenue to support anything at this point,” she countered.

“We know that we have an issue with revenues. we fully understand that,” she said. Vance County remains a Tier 1 county, along with almost half the rest of the counties in the state, which means it has higher unemployment, lower median salary and lower tax base than Tier 2 and 3 counties.

Personnel take the biggest bite out of the county’s budget, what with soaring insurance costs and even the slightest bumps in pay to try to improve recruitment and retention.

The county has 380 employees and 70 vacancies. Commissioners could opt to cut those vacant positions as cost-saving measures, but the bulk of those vacancies are in the sheriff’s office, detention center and Department of Social Services, three areas that typically experience chronic staffing shortages.

Perry told commissioners she had asked department heads once again not to request any new positions in the upcoming budget cycle, despite the fact that she knows they need the extra positions.

Speaking of personnel, Perry said she would recommend that commissioners consider again for the upcoming budget a 3 percent cost-of-living increase for county employees and put on the back burner – again – implementing the $1.2 million pay study salary increases.

A 3 percent COLA adjustment equals just more than $668,000, and Perry said that’s her recommendation simply because of all the other priorities the county has at the moment.

She would like to see the county consider a performance pay plan in the future, adding that it could start at a flat rate, moving later to a percentage plan.

So, if there’s not enough money coming in to sufficiently cover the county’s expenses, what’s a county government to do? There are a few choices to raise more revenue, including raising taxes.

One option that Perry encourages commissioners to consider is a local option sales tax increase. That requires a referendum for voters to approve.

Right now, the sales tax rate is 6.75 percent, and it could go up to a maximum of 7 percent, which would provide some extra money in the county coffers.

“I do think that this board should have a conversation at some point about getting the max on the sales tax – that would just be my recommendation,” Perry said. “I’m just surprised that we’ve never explored that here in this county…we get good revenues from sales tax.”

Perry predicted that a ¼-cent sales tax increase would translate to as much as $1.5 million in revenues.

Another option would be to raise the property tax rate, and staff has done some preliminary projections about what that could look like, but Perry said she’d hold off on those discussions until budget work sessions take place later in the spring.

If revenue projections are on the mark, the county is expected to add $400 to its tax base this year – $4.8 billion – up from $4.4 billion last year.

Another conversation for later, as the money comes in, Perry said. “That’s what we’re hoping for – that’s what we’re going to talk about in budget work sessions.”

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TownTalk: Vance County Board Retreat Recap – Part 1

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Editor’s Note: WIZS is taking a closer look at the Vance County Commissioners’ annual retreat and will bring you excerpts from the topics that were discussed in upcoming TownTalk segments.

At their annual retreat last week, the Vance County Board of Commissioners spent a good chunk of time talking about money – dollars coming in and dollars going out – and the impact that flow will have on county residents’ pocketbooks.

During the retreat, held Friday, Jan. 9, County Manager Renee Perry said the county capital improvement plan includes repairs to the existing jail, new EMS substation, a new EMS/fire substation and a new detention facility.

All that comes with a price tag – the new jail estimated at $50 million alone – that the county can’t manage without considering some sort of a tax increase.

“We don’t have the revenue to support a debt service on the jail,” Perry explained. Even with USDA funding, she expects the county would be paying at least $2 million a year on a 40-year note – and that’s with a relatively low interest rate of 3 percent. If that interest rate were just a tick higher at 4 percent or 4.5 percent, that amount would climb to more than $2.5 million annually.

Although Perry pointed out benefits of a tax increase – supporting Vance-Granville Community College and social services and creating more competitive pay packages to recruit and retain employees – she acknowledged the negative impact to taxpayers.

“Even a small increase can be burdensome,” she said.

Any tax increase the county decides on would “go directly to capital (improvements) and nothing else,” she emphasized.

At its January 5 meeting, the board approved spending up to $2.9 million on repairs to the current jail, with that money coming from the fund balance. Those repairs are predicted to be complete by November 2026.

A new EMS substation, with an estimated cost north of $2 million, is on the CIP, too. The land has been purchased, and construction costs are going to come from fund balance.

With a projected $10 million price tag, the EMS/fire substation will most likely have to be financed.

Questioned by Commissioner Dan Brummitt about the high cost of the EMS building construction, Perry said, “It won’t be less than a million. It’s not going to be cheap.”

Assistant County Manager Jeremy Jones said the 4,000 square-foot building will include sleeping quarters for eight, as well as bathrooms, a kitchen and a day room.

While basic construction with basic amenities, it will be quality construction. “I don’t want to just throw a building up,” he said.

About all the proposed projects Board Chair Carolyn Faines said, “If we’re going to build, we’ve got to build for the future.”

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