Commissioners hear annual reports, approve budget items

Feb. 07--ASHEBORO -- The Randolph County commissioners received annual reports Monday night from the Economic Development Corporation, the Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board and the Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team.

Despite not landing the Toyota-Mazda assembly plant for the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite, the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation had good news for the county commissioners Monday night.

EDC President Walter Sprouse and Vice President Kevin Franklin gave the annual report, highlighting more than $158 million in new investment and 365 jobs created during 2017. Those figures include 34 projects and $5.655 million in grants secured.

Topping the list of new investment was the announcement in August that Fibertex Personal Care, a Danish company, would locate its first U.S. production facility in Asheboro. The $115 million investment will add a new plant on a portion of the former Goodyear property and create 145 jobs over seven years.

The acquisition of Acme-McCrary Corporation by MAS US Holdings became official last April. The Sri Lankan manufacturer of apparel chose Asheboro as its North American headquarters while intending to invest $20 million in equipment and renovations, which will add at least 133 jobs.

Other new investments in 2017 included:

* Acquisition of SouthCorr Packaging by DS Smith, a British company. That followed groundbreaking for a 50,000-square-foot expansion with a $5 million investment at the Asheboro facility, creating 22 new jobs.

* Piedmont Custom Meats bought the former Yates Ham plant in Asheboro. Investment of $4 million to upfit and equip the facility is expected to provide 40 new jobs.

* Sapona Plastics purchased the former Luck's Beans property in Seagrove, investing $500,000 in renovations to create 25 new jobs. The company also will set aside a portion of the property for a new Seagrove town hall.

* Ace/Avant Concrete Construction is building a 22,586-square-foot headquarters in Archdale with an investment of $5 million. The company offers foundations, floor slabs, tilt-up walls, paving, polishing, grading and utilities.

* Edwards Wood Products expanded its facilities in Liberty, adding more than 18,000 square feet at an investment of some $2 million. The company produces high-grade hardwood lumber and manufactures a number of wood products.

* Hughes Furniture Industries will invest nearly $1.5 million in its Central Avenue, Asheboro, building purchased in 2014 from Energizer. The upholstered furniture manufacturer caters to the residential market and is a trademark licensee of Serta.

Other annual reports

The commissioners also received annual reports from the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Advisory Board and the Child Fatality Prevention/Community Child Protection Team.

Jonathan Black, director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Randolph Center, and Kemp Davis, chair of the VAD, told the commissioners that the program last year admitted farms totaling more than 1,100 acres. The county now has nearly 19,500 acres enrolled, including 15 farms with 1,300 acres in the Enhanced VAD and 127 farms in the Regular VAD.

The Child Fatality Prevention Team during the past year reviewed 17 child fatalities, according to Susan Hayes, county health director. She said the team is focusing on safe sleep for infants, providing education to all daycares and making information available to the public.

Hayes said they recommend the ABC's of safe sleep: A child should sleep Alone on its Back in a Crib.

Beth Duncan, director of the Department of Social Services, said the Community Child Protection Team reviewed 11 cases of child fatalities. They found the following gaps: Limited substance abuse treatment centers, limited mental health services for low-income families, more domestic violence cases that should be referred to the Family Crisis Center's domestic violence program, and needed clarification of the emergency child abuse protocol.

Financial business

Commissioners approved spending for disk storage equipment for the Information Technology Department and repairs of water damage at the Northgate complex. They also agreed to the transfer of $1 million for capital projects.

Michael Rowland, IT director, asked the board to award a bid for storage upgrades to Data Network Solutions for $166,284.32. He said the current storage equipment was purchased in 2013 and was scheduled for replacement as part of the 2017-18 technology replacement plan. The funds are available in the IT budget, he said.

Will Massie, assistant county manager and finance officer, said the recent freezing temperatures caused a water line break at Northgate Plaza, flooding the former bank office area. Estimated costs for repair include $31,000 for initial water extraction, mold prevention, and drywall and carpet removal, and $176,000 for repairs and flooring replacement. Massie said the costs will be reimbursed through insurance coverage.

The county purchased Northgate Plaza last year from Capital Bank. The property is designated for renovation for use by the Board of Elections and for Probation and Parole.

The capital projects budget amendment was approved by the commissioners to allow the transfer from the county's fund balance of $500,000 each to the Asheboro High School addition and the Randolph County Detention Center renovations.

Finally, the board approved the 2018 audit contract of $59,000 to Cherry Bekaert LLP, which has served as county auditors since 2005.

During the meeting, it was announced that Randolph Community College's Health and Wellness Coaching program, which received funding by the county, has been approved by the National Credentialing & Education Board. After completing the program, graduates can test for their Certified Coach (BCC) certification. RCC is the only North Carolina community college that has the CCE-approved board certification. Other colleges within the state with an approved program are UNC-Greensboro, N.C. State and Queens College.

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