On the agenda: Hendersonville Minutes — ALPR (Oct 5)

October 5, 2026

MINUTES
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF HENDERSON

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30
p.m. in the Commissioners' Meeting Room of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street,
Hendersonville.
Present were: Chairman William Lapsley, Vice-Chair J. Michael Edney, Commissioner Rebecca
McCall, Commissioner Sheila Franklin, Commissioner Jay Egolf, County Manager John Mitchell,
Assistant County Manager Chris Todd, Public Safety Director Jimmy Brissie, Financial Services
Director Samantha Reynolds, County Attorney Russ Burrell, and Clerk to the Board Denisa
Lauffer.
Also present were: Chief Communications Officer Mike Morgan, Director of Public Health David
Jenkins, Internal Auditor Natalie Pinto, Cooperative Extension Director Dr. Terry Kelley, Social
Services Director Lorie Horne, County Engineer Marcus Jones, Director of Human Resources
Karen Ensley, Tax Assessor Kevin Hensley, Planning Director Autumn Radcliff, Planner Austin
Parks, Sheriff Lowell Griffin, and Finance Director Randal Cox. Deputies Matt Covil and Kayla
Brezilac provided security.
CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME
Commissioner Lapsley called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.
INVOCATION
John Mitchell provided the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Randi-Mae Eatmon, West District 4-H Member Engagement Officer, led the Pledge of Allegiance
to the American Flag.
RESOLUTIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Ninth Annual Early Childhood Leadership Summit
Chairman Lapsley reported that Commissioner Franklin was one of ten representatives chosen to
represent NC at the Ninth Annual Early Childhood Leadership Summit, held recently in
Westminster, Colorado.
2026.101 Resolution - Service Badge and Sidearm Request –Master Deputy Terry Brackett
The Sheriff’s Office requested that the service badge and sidearm of Master Deputy Terry
Brackett be given to him in recognition of his retirement from the Henderson County Sheriff’s
Office.
Master Deputy Terry Brackett began his career with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on
September 22, 2006, and served as a Deputy and Master Deputy during his 20-year tenure. To
honor him and show gratitude, the Sheriff’s Office intends to present him with his service
badge and service sidearm.
Sheriff Griffin makes this request on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office pursuant to North Carolina
General Statute 17F-20.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

2

Vice-Chair Edney moved that the Board allow Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin to present the service
badge and sidearm as a token of appreciation to Master Deputy Terry Brackett. All voted in
favor, and the motion carried.
2026.102 Resolution – Service Badge and Sidearm Request – Sergeant Christopher Ellis
The Sheriff’s Office requested that the service badge and sidearm of Sergeant Christopher Ellis
be given to him in recognition of his retirement from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Christopher Ellis began his career with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on
June 1, 1999, and held the ranks of Detention Officer, Deputy, Master Deputy, Corporal, and
Sergeant during his 27-year tenure. To honor him and show gratitude, the Sheriff’s Office
intends to present his service badge and service sidearm.
Sheriff Griffin makes this request on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office pursuant to North Carolina
General Statute 17F-20.
Vice-Chair Edney moved that the Board allow Sheriff Lowell S. Griffin to present the service
badge and sidearm as a token of appreciation to Sergeant Christopher Ellis. All voted in
favor, and the motion carried.
PROCLAMATIONS
2026.103 National 4-H Week
The Board was requested to adopt a Proclamation designating October 4, 2026, to October 10,
2026, as National 4-H Week in Henderson County.
Commissioner McCall moved that the Board designate October 4, 2026, to October 10, 2026,
as National 4-H Week in Henderson County.All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Comments are the views and opinions of the speaker)
1. Zane Capps thanked the Board for supporting the County’s 4-H program and spoke about
the program’s importance and the valuable learning opportunities it provides.
2. Randi-Mae Eaton thanked the Board for recognizing National 4-H Week.
3. Holly Newton spoke regarding ALPR cameras and the County’s policies for retaining
collected data. She said the policies were inconsistent and unfair and urged the Board to
defund the cameras.
4. Tom Shantz spoke about two constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot in the
upcoming elections and emphasized the importance of voters educating themselves before
election day. He was in support of the Farmland Preservation General Obligation Bond.
5. Scott Lesser spoke in opposition to the use of ASPL cameras.
6. Ken Fitch spoke about conservation of roadless areas and the Roadless Rule. He stated
that roadless areas should be conserved and protected.
7. Jeffrey Christofferson spoke regarding the FEMA Home Mitigation Buyout Program and
urged the Board to take the necessary actions to allow the closings to finalize.
8. Riley Brackett, President of the WHHS FFA, spoke about the importance of agriculture in
Henderson County.
9. Paul Weichellbaum spoke about the Farmland Preservation General Obligation Bond.
10. Aaron Black spoke regarding ALPR cameras and was opposed to the County’s use of the
cameras.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

3

11. A person who wrote their name as “Continuous Natural Habitat” spoke about surveyor
caps and plats and expressed the importance of protecting life and property.
12. Carly Hall spoke about the impact agriculture has had on her life and her desire to pursue
a career in agriculture. She discussed her experiences working with two local family-owned
farms.
13. Payton Davis, whose family owns Davis Farms. Spoke about FFA growth in Henderson
County schools.
14. Ruby Ballard, Vice-President of the EHHS FFA Chapter, spoke about the opportunities
available through agriculture.
15. Darrell Ellis spoke regarding the FEMA buyout program and urged the Board to allow
property owners participating in the program to proceed through the closing process.
16. Lynne Williams spoke regarding agricultural property on Upward Road that has been
proposed for development.
Commissioner McCall asked the Chairman to allow Emergency Management Director Jimmy
Brissie to provide an update on the FEMA Buyout Program for the residents of the Clear Creek
Community in attendance.
Mr. Brissie reported that he and the County Attorney had been working with the State regarding
the acquisition process and potential legal arrangements involving homeowners’ associations. He
stated that approximately 94 properties are currently included in the countywide buyout program,
with 49 approved by FEMA. Of the 35 properties appraised under the State’s contractor, 34 offers
have been extended to homeowners, and 28 have been accepted.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA
Chairman Lapsley moved to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor, and the motion
carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
Draft minutes were presented for Board review and approval for the following meetings:
September 8, 2026, and September 16, 2026
Motion: I move the Board approve the minutes from September 8, 2026, and September 16,
2026.
Tax Collector’s Report
The following report from the office of the Tax Collector was provided for the Board’s
information.

Approved:

October 5, 2026

4

2026.104 Pending Releases and Refunds
The pending releases and refunds were reviewed by the Assessor. As a result of that review, the
Assessor's opinion was that the findings are in order. Supporting documentation is on file in the
County Assessor’s Office.
These pending release and refund requests were submitted to the Henderson County Board of
Commissioners for approval.
Type:

Amount:

Total Taxes Released from the Charge

$29,573.62

Total Refunds as a Result of the Above Releases

$ 3,465.15

Motion: I move the Board to approve the Combined Release/Refund Report as presented.

County Financial Report and Cash Balance Report – August 2026
The August 2026 County Financial and Cash Balance Reports were presented for the Board’s
review and approval.
The following are explanations for departments/programs with higher budget-to-actual
percentages for the month of August:
•
•
•
•
•

Dues/Non Profit Contributions – timing of payment of 1st quarter board approved
appropriations.
Administrative Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Human Resources – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Finance – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
County Assessor – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Approved:

October 5, 2026
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5

Tax Collector – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Legal – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Information Technology – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Sheriff – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Detention – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Emergency Management – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Fire Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Emergency Medical Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Animal Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Rescue Squad – timing of payment of 1st quarter board approved appropriations.
Soil & Water – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Planning - timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Site Development – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Heritage Museum - timing of payment of 1st quarter board approved appropriations.
Project Management - timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Environmental Health – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Mental Health Services - timing of payment of 4th quarter board approved appropriations.
Social Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Veterans Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Library – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Recreation – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Public Education – payment of 2 of 10 annual appropriations made to public school system.

Year to Date Net Revenues under Expenditures for the Revaluation Reserve Fund is due to timing
of receipts and disbursements of approved expenditures in FY27.
Year to Date Net Revenues under Expenditures for the Emergency Telephone System Fund is due
to timing of receipts and disbursements of approved expenditures in FY27.
Year to Date Net Revenues under Expenditures for the Opioid Fund is due to timing of receipts
and disbursements of approved expenditures in FY27.
Year to Date Net Revenues under Expenditures for the Hurricane Helene Fund is due to timing of
expenditures and receipt of FEMA reimbursements in FY27.
Motion: I move the Board approve the August 2026 County Financial Report and Cash Balance
Report as presented.
Henderson County Public Schools Financial Report – August 2026
The Henderson County Public Schools August 2026 Local Current Expense Fund / Other
Restricted Funds Report was presented for the Board’s review and approval.
Motion: I move the Board approve the August 2026 County Henderson County Public Schools
Financial Report as presented.

Approved:

October 5, 2026

6

Notification of Vacancies
The Notification of Vacancies was provided for the Board’s information. They will appear on
the next agenda under “Nominations.
1. Animal Service Committee – 1 vac.
Seat #2
2. Cemetery Advisory Committee – 3 vacs.
Seat #2
3. Henderson County Board of Health – 1 vac.
Seat #4
4. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 1 vac.
Seat #19
Opioid Settlement Fund – Authorized Expenditures Update
The Opioid Settlement Fund’s authorized expenditures update as of June 30, 2026, was provided
for the Board’s review and approval. Amounts received and expended will be reported annually
to the Community Opioid Resources Engine for NC (CORE-NC) in compliance with the
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Motion: I move the Board approve the June 30, 2026, Authorized Expenditures Update as
presented.
Return of Loaned Painting
A painting titled “View of Infinity,” by Robert George Kensinger, has been hanging within the
Henderson County Judicial Courthouse for an indeterminate number of years. Kensinger’s
daughter, Sabrina, claims the painting has been on loan from her family to Henderson County and
requested that it be returned to her.
No loan agreement for the painting has been located. The painting also does not appear on the
County’s list of insured assets.
Motion: I move that the Board approve the return of Robert George Kensinger’s painting “View
of Infinity” to Sabrina Kensinger.
Grant Award – Homeland Security Grant Program
Each year, the United States Department of Homeland Security provides grants to states to enhance
all-hazards disaster preparedness. In North Carolina, these grants are dispersed to the Disaster
Preparedness Regions (DPR). Within these DPRs, counties prioritize needs and sponsor a project.
The sponsor county purchases equipment and distributes part of it to partner counties. The
sponsoring county receives 100% reimbursement for the project. During 2025 (Federal FY25),
Henderson County sponsored a regional project to purchase two (2) trailer-mounted generators
and accessories.
This project, sponsored by Henderson County, will place medium-sized generators and accessories
in Western North Carolina for use during disasters. Henderson County will purchase two
generators and accessory packages, maintain one for our use, and transfer one to another county.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

7

These assets remain available to assist other agencies as needed. The State will provide 100%
reimbursement as allowed in the grant for this project.
Motion: I move the Board authorize the receipt of the Federal FY25 Homeland Security Grant
Program grant in the amount of $110,000, and to authorize staff to execute all necessary
documents required for acceptance and administration of the grant, including any associated
budget amendments.
2026.105 Marketing Agreement – CCBCC Operations, LLC. (Coca-Cola)
Henderson County’s Recreation Department requested to enter into a Marketing Agreement with
CCBCC Operations, LLC (Coca-Cola). This Marketing Agreement will result in a one-time
marketing fee of $26,000 payable up front to the County and an annual $1,000 marketing fee paid
annually to the County at the contract year-end.
The $26,000 marketing fee for FY2027 will be used to purchase a scoreboard for the Henderson
County Berkeley Park Sports Complex.
The Board was requested to approve the Marketing Agreement with Coca-Cola and approve the
related budget amendment to recognize the marketing fee for FY2027.
Motion: I move the Board approve the CCBCC Operations, LLC Customer Marketing Agreement
and related budget amendment.
2026.106 Budget Amendment – Local Law Enforcement Bonus Program
As part of the 2026 Appropriations Act (Senate Bill 257, Section 41.3), the NC State Bureau of
Investigation (SBI) is implementing a Local Law Enforcement Bonus Program. For the 2026–
2027 fiscal year, a sworn local law enforcement officer employed as of June 30, 2026, is eligible
to receive a compensation bonus of $1,750.
As part of the program, SBI will disburse funding to Henderson County covering the bonus amount
awarded and the employer portion of FICA and Medicare. The County is responsible for any
401(k)/457 and 5% LEO employer contributions. The County's estimated responsibility is
$17,640.
Staff requested the Board approve a budget amendment that recognizes anticipated funding from
NC SBI and appropriates fund balance to cover the 2% 401(k)/457 and 5% LEO employer match
not funded by NC SBI.
Motion: I move the Board approve the budget amendment to recognize anticipated funding from
the NC SBI and appropriate the requested fund balance.
2026.107 Budget Amendment – Library Restricted Fund Balance Appropriated
In February 2026, the Library received a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation to
commemorate America 250. Per the Corporation, the Library may use this gift however it wishes
to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, further its mission, and benefit its community. The
funding was unspent as of June 30, 2026.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

8

Staff requested the Board approve a budget amendment appropriating $10,000 from Restricted
Fund Balance for Library Donations to purchase literacy materials to launch a Books for Babies
program at local hospitals. This program will provide a literacy gift bag containing a board book,
library information, and additional early literacy resources to each new baby born at local hospitals.
No County dollars are being used for this project.
Motion: I move the Board approve the budget amendment to appropriate fund balance as
presented.
2026.108 Budget Amendment – Restricted Fund Balance
The Sheriff’s Office requested the Board approve a budget amendment to appropriate fund balance
for unused restricted donations for Sheriff’s Office special funds received in previous fiscal years.
These funds come from restricted donations and will be used for specific programs, including K9, VIP, STAR, Honor Guard, Shop with a Hero, Motor Unit, and National Night Out.
The amounts reflected in the budget amendment were the unspent portions of restricted donations
remaining from FY2026, to be carried over and spent in FY2027.
Motion: I move the Board approve the budget amendment to appropriate restricted fund balance
for the special Sheriff’s Office accounts as presented.
Public Records Disposal Request – Department of Public Health
Staff requested approval from the Board of Commissioners to destroy the original records listed
on the Destruction Log and Public Records Disposal Request provided as part of this agenda item,
in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Local Health
Department Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.
The Board of Health approved the destruction of these records at its meeting on September 21,
2026.
Motion: I move the Board approve the destruction of public health records as presented.
Records Retention and Disposition Schedule – Register of Deeds
The North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) has updated the
County Register of Deeds Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. NCDNCR requested that
the Register of Deeds and the Board of Commissioners adopt and sign the updated document.
Motion: I move that the Board adopt the updated County Register of Deeds Records Retention
and Disposition Schedule.
FY2027 Blue Ridge Community College MRTS Project Listing
Staff requested Board approval for the FY2027 Blue Ridge Community College project listing
for Maintenance, Repair, Technology, and Security (MRTS) projects.
Motion: I move the Board approve the FY2027 MRTS projects requested by Blue Ridge
Community College.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

9

2026.109 Lease Approval – Etowah EMS & Fire Department
Henderson County was awarded a federal grant for the construction of an EMS Substation in the
Etowah Horse Shoe area. Concurrently, the County has also been working closely with the Etowah
Horse Shoe Fire & Rescue Department to develop strategies to relocate their main station
following the catastrophic damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.
The County has identified property and is conducting due diligence assessments for the
development of the site. Staff requested to execute a lease agreement on the property during the
due diligence period to allow temporary use of the property and facilities during this period.
Motion: I move the Board approve the lease between Henderson County and Maddox Meadows,
LLC, and authorize the County Manager to sign the lease on behalf of Henderson County.
Vice-Chair Edney moved to adopt the consent agenda as presented. All voted in favor, and the
motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Lapsley made a motion to go into the Public Hearing. All voted in favor, and the motion
carried.
2026.110 Name an Unnamed Right-of-Way Off Roland Jones Road
Staff received a request to name an unnamed Right-of-Way (ROW) off Roland Jones Road. Staff
received confirmation from all owners, and they agreed to the proposed road name of Poplar
Mountain Road. ROWs are required to be named under the Property Addressing Ordinance for
E911 purposes.
Staff sent letters to all property owners notifying them of the date and time of the public hearing
and the proposed road name, and advertised the hearing in the Hendersonville Lightning.
Public Input: There was none.
Chairman Lapsley made a motion to go out of the Public Hearing. All voted in favor, and the
motion carried.
Vice-Chair Edney made a motion the Board approve renaming the ROW as shown on the map
presented to Poplar Mountain Road. All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
DISCUSSION
Henderson County Future Farmers of America
Aaron Martin, President of the Henderson County Chapter of FFA Alumni and Supporters,
provided the Board with an update of the FFA program in Henderson County.

Approved:

October 5, 2026

10

Approved:

October 5, 2026

11

2026.111 2027 Reappraisal Schedule of Values
Kevin Hensley, County Assessor, presented the proposed 2027 Schedule of Values for Market
Value and Present Use Value for the Board's consideration. The Board also discussed where the
public can access the Schedule of Values, the timeline for the 2027 Reappraisal, and an update on
Reappraisal progress thus far. The following is a general timeline for the 2027 Reappraisal that
meets statutory guidelines:
October 5, 2026
October 5, 2026
November 2, 2026
November 18, 2026
November 25,
December 2, 9, 16,
2026
January 1, 2027
February 1, 2027

Schedule of Values presented to the Board of Commissioners.
Public hearing scheduled and publication authorized by the Board of
Commissioners.
Schedule of Values made available for public inspection.
Public Hearing on the Schedule of Values.
Schedule of Values adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
Publication of the Order of Adoption of SOV (published once a week
for four consecutive weeks).
Effective date for 2027 Reappraisal.
Approximate date Notice of Assessed Value mailed to property
owners.

Approved:

October 5, 2026

12

Approved:

October 5, 2026

13

Vice-Chair Edney made the motion that the Board authorize staff to publish a statement that the
Schedule of Values has been submitted to the Board. I further move the Board schedule the Public
Hearing on the 2027 Schedule of Values for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the
Historic Courthouse. All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Environmental Advisory Committee – 2 vacs.
There were no nominations, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
2. Hendersonville City Zoning Board of Adjustment – 1 vac.
There were no nominations, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
Approved:

October 5, 2026

14

3. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 2 vacs.
There were no nominations, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
4. Nursing/Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – 11 vacs.
There were no nominations, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
COMMISSIONER UPDATES
Commissioner McCall recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Chamber of Commerce,
where she advocated for funding for Carl Sandburg and Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and
proposed distributing funds directly to counties rather than through the state.
Commissioner Edney noted that the Register of Deeds now offers passport services. He also
expressed disappointment that employee service awards would not be presented at an awards
dinner as in previous years, emphasizing the importance of commissioners attending the event to
show appreciation for county employees.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager John Mitchell shared that the Employee Picnic will be held at Jackson Park on
Friday, October 23. He also announced that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Berkeley Park
Sports Complex was scheduled for November 2 and that a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new
passport office will be held next week.
Motion: Vice-Chair Edney made the motion to go into closed session pursuant to NCGS
143.318.11(a)(3),&(5). All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
ADJOURN

______________________________
Denisa A. Lauffer, Clerk to the Board

______________________________
William G. Lapsley, Chairman

Approved: