On the agenda: Hendersonville Minutes — Automated License Plate (Nov 2)

November 2, 2026

MINUTES
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF HENDERSON

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30
a.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, Code Enforcement Director
Matt Champion, Director of Public Health David Jenkins, Infrastructure Manager Mike
McKinney, Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Gilliam, Recreation Supervisor Jason Kilgore,
County Engineer Marcus Jones, Director of Human Resources Karen Ensley, Internal Auditor
Natalie Pinto, Grants Administrator Emily Schwartz, Behavioral Health Director Jodi Grabowski,
Tax Collector Luke Small, Tax Assessor Kevin Hensley, Capital Projects Manager Bryan Rhodes,
Social Media Coordinator Tiffany Lucey, Finance Director Randal Cox, and Deputies Matt Covil
and Travis Pierce, who 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
James Taneyhill with Leaders in Training 4-H Club led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
Flag.
RESOLUTIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Eco Heroes Award
The Eco Heroes Awards Program exists to honor individuals who serve as an example and inspire
others to preserve the environmental well-being of Henderson County. These individuals model
environmental stewardship in our community by focusing on protecting and improving our shared
natural heritage and demonstrating that a healthy environment improves the quality of life for all
people. These two awardees were nominated by individuals in the community and were
recommended to the Board by the Environmental Advisory Committee.
Chairman Lapsley made the motion that the Board approve the awardees for the Eco Heroes Award.
All voted in favor and the motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT (Comments are the views and opinions of the speaker)
1. Cathy Veal – Expressed opposition to the County’s use of Automated License Plate
Readers (ALPRs), citing concerns about civil liberties and invasive mass surveillance. She
raised concerns about the cameras’ potential AI capabilities and their ability to connect
with nationwide tracking services.
Approved:

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2. Mark Eley – Requested the Board’s assistance with his late brother’s estate, which has
been in probate for approximately five years. He asked that the County Manager and
County Attorney intervene to help address the ongoing matter.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT OF AGENDA
Vice-Chair Edney added to the consent agenda as item M: Vendor Contract – Motorola Solutions,
Inc.
Chairman Lapsley moved to approve the agenda as amended. 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 meeting:
October 21, 2026
Motion: I move the Board approve the minutes from October 21, 2026.
Tax Collector’s Report
The following report from the office of the Tax Collector was provided for the Board’s
information.

2026.116 Pending Releases and Refunds
The Assessor reviewed the pending releases and refunds. As a result of that review, it is the
opinion of the Assessor that these findings are in order. Supporting documentation is on file in the
County Assessor’s Office.
These pending release and refund requests were submitted for approval by the Henderson County
Board of Commissioners.
Type:

Amount:

Total Taxes Released from the Charge

$13,392.81

Total Refunds as a Result of the Above Releases

$ 2,394.78
Approved:

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Motion: I move the Board approve the Combined Release/Refund Report as presented.
County Financial Report and Cash Balance Report – September 2026
The September 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 September:
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Governing Body – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Administrative Services – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Human Resources – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
County Assessor – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
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.
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.
Planning - timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Site Development – timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Project Management - timing of payment of board approved expenditures.
Medical 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 3 of 10 annual appropriations made to public school system.

Year-to-date net revenues under Expenditures for the Revaluation Reserve Fund are due to the
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 the timing of receipts and disbursements of approved expenditures in FY27.
Year-to-date Net Revenues under Expenditures for the Opioid Fund are due to the timing of
receipts and disbursements of approved expenditures in FY27.
Year-to-date net revenues under Expenditures for the Hurricane Helene Fund are due to the timing
of expenditures and receipt of FEMA reimbursements in FY27.
Motion: I move that the Board of Commissioners approve the September 2026 County
Financial Report and Cash Balance Report as presented.

Approved:

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Henderson County Public Schools Financial Report – September 2026
The Henderson County Public Schools September 2026 Local Current Expense Fund / Other
Restricted Funds Report was presented for the Board’s review and approval.
Motion: I move that the Board of Commissioners approve the September 2026 County
Henderson County Public Schools Financial Report as presented.
Notification of Vacancies
The Notification of Vacancies was provided for the Board’s information. They will appear on
the next agenda under “Nominations.
1. Henderson County Zoning Board of Adjustment – 4 vacs.
2. Hendersonville Planning Board – 1 vac.
3. Nursing/Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – 5 vacs.
Farmland Preservation Fund – Balance Update
The Farmland Preservation Fund balance as of September 30, 2026, was provided for the
Board’s review and approval.
Motion: I move that the Board of Commissioners approve the September 30, 2026, Farmland
Preservation Fund balance update as presented.
Opioid Settlement Fund – Authorized Expenditure Update
The Opioid Settlement Fund’s Authorized Expenditure Update as of September 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.
Motion: I move that the Board approve the September 30, 2026, Authorized Expenditure Update
as presented
Vendor Proposal – Medical Priority Dispatch
The Board was requested to approve the proposal and authorize staff to proceed with the purchase
of one (1) Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) to include both Emergency Medical Dispatch
(EMD) protocols and Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) protocols via the sole-source exceptions as
allowed under N.C.G.S. 143-129 (e)(6). As a sole-source contract with State and County
government, approval of this agreement by the Board of Commissioners is required.
The sole quote was received from Priority Dispatch for a total price of $300,630.30. The funding
for this purchase was approved in the FY2027 budget for capital outlay - technology, in the amount
of $287,320.00 in the E-911 budget, and the remaining amount will come from an allocation of
$13,840.50 that was approved in the Sheriff’s Office FY2027 budget.
Motion: I move the Board accept the sole proposal from Priority Dispatch and authorize
Henderson County staff to proceed with the purchase of one (1) Medical Priority Dispatch System
of $300,630.30 using the sole source exception as allowed under N.C.G.S 143-129 (e)(6).

Approved:

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2026.117 Award Acceptance – Etowah Wastewater Treatment System and Upgrades
Staff requested the Board approve grant funding from the Department of Environmental
Quality that was reallocated in S.L.2025-97. This award replaces previous awards established
in SRP-W-ARP-0085 for $12,700,000 and SRP-W-0251 for $500,000. This grant is directed
to be used for the Etowah Wastewater Treatment System and Upgrades and is in the amount of
$13,200,000.
Staff requested the Board authorize the award acceptance resolution to begin the disbursement of
funds. Staff also requests the Board provide authorization for the County Manager to execute the
forthcoming agreement on behalf of the County.
Motion: I move the Board approve the resolution and budget amendment, and further move
the Board provide authorization to the County Manager to execute the forthcoming agreement
on behalf of the County.
2026.118 American Rescue Plan - Proposed Plan Revision
After completing and reconciling several ARPA projects, the County identified $7,226.30 in
savings in previously obligated ARPA funds for the Mills River Tower Upgrade Project. In
accordance with the Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Section 17.19 for SLFRF
funds, Henderson County is allowed to reclassify SLFRF funds from the original activity to
another project that would be eligible under program rules.
A proposed plan revision was presented to reclassify the $7,226.30 in savings to the Recreation
Sports Complex project, as allowed under SLFRF Final Rule FAQ 17.19.
Motion: I move the Board approve the reclassification of $7,226.30 of ARPA funds to the
Recreation Sports Complex project as presented.
Public Records Disposal Request – Tax Assessor
Staff requested approval from the Board to destroy original records listed on seven (7) total pages
of Public Records Disposal Requests and Destruction Logs in accordance with the County’s
Record Retention Policy and the provisions of the North Carolina Department of Natural and
Cultural Resources Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
Motion: I move the Board approve the Public Records Disposal Requests and Destruction Logs
as presented.
Vendor Contract – Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Add-on)
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has determined the equipment services represented by the
proposed contract represent the best value while providing needed body and other camera
equipment and image storage for the office. The contract offered by Motorola has been determined
by Sourcewell, a government purchasing cooperative, to provide pricing as good or better than
(from the County’s perspective) the basic discount contract negotiated by Sourcewell.
The new contract extends the existing contract for a total of five years of service.
The Board approved this as part of the consent agenda at its October 21, 2026, meeting. Before
signing the contract, staff realized the pricing structure was for five years instead of the three years
Approved:

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proposed. While some verbiage in the contract reallocates when certain payments are made, the
total dollar amount does not change over the five years (2 under the current agreement plus a threeyear extension) covered.
Motion: I move the Board approve the proposed contract extension, addition, and terms with
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Vice Chair Edney made a motion to adopt the consent agenda. 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.
2026.119 Consider the 2027 Schedule of Values
Tax Assessor Kevin Hensley presented the 2027 Schedule of Values, Standards, and Rules for
Market Value and Present-Use Value for Ad Valorem Tax.
Public Comment: There was none.
Chairman Lapsley made a motion to go out of the Public Hearing. All voted in favor, and the
motion carried.
DISCUSSION
UNC Health Pardee Hospital Audit and Budget Presentation – Jay Kirby, President and
CEO, UNC Health Pardee
Jay Kirby provided the Board with an update on UNC Health Pardee’s operations, strategic
initiatives, financial performance, and future plans. He highlighted Pardee’s continued expansion
of regional services, including the new Level III Trauma Center, a 23-bed adolescent behavioral
health facility, expanded primary and specialty care, and new and expanded locations throughout
the region.
Kirby reviewed Pardee’s FY2026 financial performance, noting $485.7 million in net operating
revenue and $3.65 million in net income. He also discussed factors contributing to the hospital’s
negative operating income, including changes involving Pardee BlueMD, drug expenses,
automated presumptive eligibility requirements, and the acquisition of the ambulatory surgery
center.
He reported that the FY2026 audit, conducted by Forvis, identified no weaknesses or deficiencies.
Kirby also outlined challenges facing Pardee, including Medicare/Medicaid reductions, facilities,
liquidity, and recruitment and retention. Looking ahead, Pardee plans to continue expanding its
regional footprint and pursue additional projects, including behavioral health renovations,
women's and children's facility renovations, and potential MRI and cardiac catheterization lab
projects.

Approved:

November 2, 2026

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Henderson County Nuisance Properties Presentation
Matt Champion, Code Enforcement Director, provided an overview of Code Enforcement
Services, including its responsibilities, current workload, and Notice of Violation process. The
department enforces provisions of the Land Development Code, Nuisance Ordinance, and Solid
Waste Ordinance throughout the unincorporated areas of Henderson County and certain ETJ areas.
Champion reported that Code Enforcement investigated 278 nuisance and zoning complaints in
2026 through October 27, issued 70 Notices of Violation, and resolved 66 cases. The department
also issued 1,110 commercial and residential zoning permits during that period. The department
currently has 117 active nuisance or zoning violations.
He explained the department’s Notice of Violation process, which gives property owners multiple
30-day compliance periods before the department may present a property to the Board as a chronic
nuisance. If the Board declares a property a chronic nuisance, the County may obtain contractor
estimates, complete the necessary cleanup, and pursue recovery of the costs through a lien.
Approximately 24 properties are currently eligible for or moving through the chronic nuisance
process, with an estimated cleanup cost of $553,600.
NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
1. Environmental Advisory Committee – 1 vac.
No nominations were made, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
2. Etowah Sewer Advisory Committee – 1 vac.
Commissioner Egolf moved to nominate Martha Rollefson for appointment to Seat #2. All
voted in favor, and the motion carried.
3. Henderson County Board of Health – 1 vac.
No nominations were made, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
4. Henderson County Transportation Advisory Committee – 1 vac.
Commissioner Franklin made a motion to nominate Sam Winfield for appointment to Seat
#4. All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
5. Hendersonville City Zoning Board of Adjustment – 1 vac
No nominations were made, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
6. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 2 vacs.
No nominations were made, and this item was carried to the next meeting.
7. 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 noted that the dome atop the Historic Courthouse would be illuminated in
green in honor of Veterans Day. She also commended Flat Rock Middle School for its significant
academic growth, noting that the school ranks second in the state. She further highlighted East
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Henderson High School’s significant improvement in reducing the number of students with
repeated absences.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Mitchell commended Recreation Department Director Bruce Gilliam and staff for another
successful “Treat Street”; the event was well attended. He also thanked the Board for its
investments over the years in elections and noted that it was indeed this Board that funds local
elections and employs the people who work the polls.
Vice-Chair Edney made the motion at 6:58 p.m. to go into closed session pursuant to NCGS
143.318.11(a)(3),&(4). All voted in favor, and the motion carried.
ADJOURN

______________________________
Denisa A. Lauffer, Clerk to the Board

______________________________
William G. Lapsley, Chairman

Approved: