Stories Across Granville

Granville County Welcomes Lindsey Davidson as Assistant Finance Director

Posted July 2, 2024

Granville County will soon welcome Lindsey Davidson as Assistant Finance Director. Davidson brings over a decade of finance experience and leadership to her new role with Granville County. Davidson joins Granville County after 11 years at Granville Health System in progressively responsible financial positions. Her experience conducting finance operations in the medical care industry provides Davidson with the level of knowledge and experience needed to serve in the newly created role of Assistant Finance Director for Granville County. 

Davidson has served as the Controller for Granville Health System since January 2022. This position oversees all areas of accounting, preparing annual financial and cost allocation reports, and providing leadership and support to Payroll, Accounts Payable, and Staff Accountants. Prior to her promotion to Controller, Davidson worked as a Financial Analyst, where she collaborated with Department Heads to develop operating budgets as well as monitoring Granville Health System’s financial position throughout the year. Davidson originally joined Granville Health System as a Staff Accountant. In this position she reconciled general ledger accounts and bank statements while also serving as backup to Payroll.  

“Lindsey brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to our organization,” said Granville County Finance Director Jennifer Baird. “We are thrilled to have Lindsey join our growing team and we know this position will be instrumental in ensuring that the tax dollars from our citizens are spent accurately and with accountability. I am confident that she will serve the Finance Department and Granville County well.”

Lindsey is a Warren County native and currently resides in Vance County with her husband, Ben, and 15-year-old daughter Morgan. She begins her new role as Assistant Finance Director on July 8.

DOT Accepting Public Input on 10-Year Transportation Plan

Posted June 25, 2024

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking public feedback on the 2026-2035 State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). NCDOT has provided an interactive survey mapping tool to allow feedback on proposed projects at this link.

Projects included in the draft STIP plan for 2026-2035 for Granville County include:

– Multi-use recreational trail connecting Durham to the Virginia state line via Butner, Stem, Oxford, and Stovall.

– Lane and shoulder improvements on Old NC 75 at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner.

– Upgrade and improve traffic flow for the Old NC 75 intersection at Central Avenue/33^rd Street in Butner.

– Pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Central Avenue in Butner.

– Widen NC Highway 56 to four lanes near the Interstate 85 interchange in Butner from 33^rd Street to Holly Drive.

– Extension of New Commerce Drive to connect to Knotts Grove Road in Oxford.

– Road safety improvements on NC Highway 96 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue) from Industry Drive to 3^rd Street in Oxford.

– Pedestrian recreation trail construction totaling 3.8 miles alongside Lake Devin in Oxford.

– Multi-Use Recreational Path totaling 5 miles in Oxford to connect Oxford Park, Hilltop Village Shopping Center, Granville Medical Center, and the Masonic Home for Children.

– Intersection improvements on US Highway 158 in Oxford to include Tabbs Creek Road, on/off-ramps for Interstate 85, US Highway 158 Bypass/Industry Drive, and the Revlon facility entrance.

– General aviation terminal building construction at the Henderson-Oxford Airport.

– Modernize roadway and expand shoulder on US Highway 15 in Oxford from the US Highway 158 Bypass intersection to Chewning Road.

The live feedback survey mapping tool is available through July 17. At that time, NCDOT will release regional project scores and public feedback will be used to determine what amount of available funding will be allocated across North Carolina in the final approved STIP.

For more information about STIP, visit the NCDOT website.

Russ Barberio Appointed to Lead CLL Program

Posted June 24, 2024

Russ Barberio

Russ Barberio has been named the new coordinator of the Creative Lifelong Learning (CLL) program run by Granville County Senior Services. Barberio takes over for Marilyn Howard who is retiring from Granville County at the end of June.

Barberio joins Granville County after spending a few years in retirement following a long career in finance and computer software consulting. He came to North Carolina in 1982 when he was hired as Plant Controller at Max Factor Cosmetics (now Revlon) in Oxford. After his time at Max Factor, Barberio remained in the area working as a computer software consultant. He assisted companies throughout the United States in transforming their financial systems and presented at several national conferences and national user group meetings.

While in retirement, Barberio had the chance to focus more on his hobbies, including working with the North Carolina Genealogical Society to promote the organization while working to educate genealogists on research techniques. He also enjoys camping, reading, classical music, Shakespeare, and North Carolina history (particularly the Revolutionary War). After experiencing the rich array of classes available through the Granville County CLL program, Barberio jumped at the chance to lead the program following Marilyn Howard’s retirement. “This program has been administered so successfully by Marilyn for the last six years,” said Barberio. “She will be sorely missed, but she has left such a solid foundation for us to continue to build on.” He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in Management from Utah State University. Barberio lives in Henderson with his wife of 57 years, Diane. They have three children and four grandchildren.

The Creative Lifelong Learning program was established in 2017 through a generous endowment and is modeled after the OLLI programs at Duke and NC State Universities. The program is committed to offering opportunities to stimulate the mind, uplift the spirit, and enhance the well-being of adult learners through a wide range of educational programs, physical activities, and social events.

For more information about CLL and all of the programs offered by Granville County Senior Services, visit the Granville County website at this link or follow Granville County Senior Services on Facebook. The Granville County Senior Center is located at 107 Lanier Street in Oxford and the South Granville Senior Center is located at 114 Douglas Drive in Creedmoor. The North Granville Senior Center is currently located at 318 US Highway 15 South in Stovall and construction is scheduled to begin this summer on a new significantly expanded center located in downtown Stovall on Oxford Street.  

GAP Walking Trail Enhancements Completed

Posted June 21, 2024

Granville County is excited to announce the newly improved walking trails at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP). Sections of the trail had been closed since May, when the County began work to enhance the park through necessary maintenance and repairs.

The project ensured that the trail system at the GAP remained safe and accessible for all county residents to use. The original trails from Phase I of the GAP were experiencing pavement separation and tree root undergrowth. Enhancements were also made to the GAP trail map and trail markers. The updated map now features color-coded zones, and corresponding trail markers have been added along the trails to allow visitors easier navigation on a stroll.

Granville County invites everyone to come out and enjoy the newly repaired walking trails at the GAP when visiting the park this summer!

Since opening in 2004, the GAP has truly become the crown jewel regional recreational complex. The park consists of miles of paved walking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course that weaves through tall pines and hardwoods, ball fields framed by foliage, an outdoor amphitheater perfect for showcasing special performances in the open air, and an outdoor classroom surrounded by plant life and sunshine.  Other features at the GAP include numerous amenities like the large sports pavilion, picnic shelters, children’s musical sound garden, outdoor fitness equipment, spray park, and a Storywalk® display. Granville County is currently undertaking a recreation master plan, which will guide future planning and development of recreational spaces for the public beyond the GAP.

In addition to enjoying these amenities, many park facilities are available for private rentals. For more information about renting facilities at the GAP, visit www.granvillecounty.org/rentalfacilities or call 919-693-3716. The GAP is open dawn to dusk 365 days a year and is located at 4615 Belltown Road, Oxford.

Volunteers Sought for Citizen Advisory Committees

Posted June 20, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants to fill roles on several citizen advisory boards and committees. Most positions will be filled by citizens who reside in the district listed, but final appointment decisions are at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners. Additionally, some positions must be filled by residents that reside within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of a municipality (ETJ), which is roughly a one-mile radius outside of the municipal limits. These appointees serve as county representatives on those municipal advisory boards.

Applications are available on the Granville County website at this link. Completed applications should be returned to Karen Evans, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, by email at karen.evans@granvillecounty.org, or hand delivered in person to the County Administration Office located at 104 Belle Street in Oxford, or by mail to PO Box 906 Oxford, NC 27565 to the attention of Karen Evans.

To verify your district, please visit the NC State Board of Elections website.

Look for the district number beside “County Commissioner” under “your jurisdictions.” If you need additional assistance determining your district, contact the Granville County Addressing and GIS Mapping Coordinator at 919-692-1278.

Detailed information about each committee can be found on the Granville County website.

Vacant seats are available for the following boards and committees:

– Adult Home Care Advisory Board (At-Large). Requires 20 hours of training for the selected applicant.

– Butner Planning Board (ETJ, should reside in District 7). The Butner Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

– Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs (District 4). The Environmental Affairs Committee meets monthly on Mondays at 9 a.m.

– Granville County Board of Adjustment (District 7). The Board of Adjustment meets monthly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

– Granville County Library Board of Trustees (District 6). The Library Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.

– Granville County Planning Board (District 7). The Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

– Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (At-Large). Requires 20 hours of training for the selected applicant.

– Oxford Planning Board (ETJ). The Oxford Planning Board meets monthly on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – June 17, 2024

Posted June 20, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 17 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured the recognition of a Creedmoor resident who has reached an athletic milestone only achieved by a select few across the world, several long-serving county officials, and a Deputy Sheriff who recently showed heroism in the line of duty.

Kechia Brustmeyer-Brown of Creedmoor was recognized for achieving “Six-Star” status in the Abbott World Major Marathons. She is one of only 17,000 people to have ever successfully finished the six major marathons held across the globe. Three are in the United States (Boston, Chicago, and New York City) and the other three are in Germany (Berlin), Japan (Tokyo), and the United Kingdom (London). Brustmeyer-Brown was also recognized by Rep. Frank Sossamon on behalf of the North Carolina General Assembly and John Tayloe, Regional Director for United States Senator Ted Budd. Sen. Budd presented Brustmeyer-Brown with a US Flag that had been flown over the US Capitol in Washington, DC.

Debra Weary was recognized for her service to Granville County as Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. Weary totaled twenty-five years of service to the citizens of Granville through her work with Granville County government and Granville County Public Schools. All members of the Board of County Commissioners expressed their gratitude for Weary’s service and Chair Timothy Karan emphasized her desire to “stay out of the limelight, while remaining humble and contributing so much to the success of Granville County.” Weary was also honored by Rep. Sossamon and Sen. Ted Budd and she too received a US flag that had flown over the Capitol Building.  

Outgoing Finance Director Steve McNally was also honored for his years of service to Granville County as Finance Director. McNally’s service to Granville County citizens totaled twenty-one years between his time with Granville County government and the City of Oxford. Commissioner Rob Williford spoke about McNally on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and commented on his tireless work ethic and contributions to several major projects including the Law Enforcement Center and the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant used for the expansion of the Granville Athletic Park.

Commissioner Tony Cozart was recognized for reaching a tenure of thirty-five years as a member of the Granville County Board of Commissioners. First elected in 1989, Cozart has since been reelected eight times. A retired school administrator, Commissioner Cozart currently serves as the Executive Director of Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start. Commissioner Jimmy Gooch spoke on behalf of the Board of Commissioners about Cozart’s achievements and emphasized Cozart’s commitment to public service and his profound impact on Granville County throughout his life. Cozart spoke about the comradery, friendship, and teamwork he feels and thanked his fellow Commissioners for this “truly touching honor” and their shared love of Granville County.

In the last special recognition of the evening, Sheriff Robert Fountain honored Deputy Jonathan Massey for his valor and life saving actions during a recent emergency call on Sterling Creek Lane in southeastern Granville County. A citizen present at the incident notified Sheriff Fountain of Deputy Massey’s actions and commended Massey’s ability to stay calm under pressure, for exercising sound judgment, and showing bravery that saved the life of an individual in mental distress; all while ensuring the safety of others. Sheriff Fountain stated that Massey’s “exceptional bravery contributed to saving a life and offered hope for a brighter future to a person in need.”

Other business conducted on June 17 included:

– An update from Granville County Cooperative Extension Commercial/Consumer Horticulture Agent Johnny Coley on the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Program.

– An update from Cooperative Extension Agriculture/Animal Service Agent Kim Woods on the Farmland Loss and Preservation Program.

– An update from Kim Woods on the Agricultural Advisory Board who will host a “Keeping the Farm” workshop to educate landowners on October 29.

– An update from Vaya Health Regional Director of Community Relations Elliott Clark.

– Approval and funding for automatic renewal of equipment and software maintenance and support agreement for the Board of Elections with Election Systems & Software, LLC.

– Approval of a landfill operations contract with Huff Soil Conservation, Inc for an annual fee of $1,320,000 and $76,200 for ancillary services. Huff Soil Conservation, Inc was previously selected for this contract negotiation following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

– Approval of a bid from Webb-Harrell Construction Services Corporation in the amount of $73,800 for asbestos abatement and demolition of the former Granville-Vance Public Health facility on Hunt Drive in Oxford.

– Approval of a preventative maintenance and repair services contract with Hoffman Mechanical Solutions for a not-to-exceed amount of $13,648 for HVAC systems at the South Branch Library and Granville Early College facilities located on South Campus Drive in Creedmoor.

– Appointing David Sella (District 3) to the Granville County Board of Adjustment.

– Appointing Gary Kuhn (District 5) to the Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Advisory Committee.

– Reappointing Hal Muetzel and Norman Wilson to the Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board/Private Industry Council.

– Reappointing Allen Winston and appointing Joe Stallings to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership Board.

– Appointing Commissioner Hinman as voting delegate for the National Association of Counties Annual Meeting scheduled for July 12-15 in Hillsborough County, Florida.

– Authorizing the County Manager to execute contract amendments needed for any additional Volunteer Fire Departments who agree to provide Medical First Responder services in Granville County.

– Authorizing the County Attorney and County Manager to take the necessary steps to transfer a lot in the Triangle North Granville Business Park to Vance-Granville Community College, subject to the restrictive covenants of record.

– Approval of Budget Amendment #12 for fiscal year 2023-2024.

– Approval of Budget Amendment #13 for fiscal year 2023-2024.

– Approval of Project Ordinance Amendment #4 for Granville Athletic Park Phase III.

– Approval of Project Ordinance Amendment #5 for the Law Enforcement Center.

– Approval of a correction to realignment of Assigned Fund Balance for Economic and Physical Development.

– Approval of tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for May 21, 2024, to June 5, 2024.

– Approval of a refund request for tax overpayment due to a clerical error.

– Approval of an agreement to terminate the existing lease for an irrigation pond servicing the Granville Athletic Park.

– Approval of a School Resource Officer agreement with Oxford Preparatory School.

– Approval of the following meeting minutes: February 20, 2023, February 24, 2023, May 8, 2023, February 19, 2024, February 23, 2024, May 6, 2024, and May 11, 2024.

The next meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

To stay informed about upcoming meetings of the Board of Commissioners, visit the Granville County website at www.granvillecounty.org where you can sign up for the “Sunshine List” and follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GranvilleCountyGov.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – June 3, 2024

Posted June 5, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 3 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured the approval of the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, and the appointment of Karen Evans as the new Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.

The fiscal year 2024-2025 budget was approved as recommended by the County Manager by a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Russ May voting in opposition. The $87,236,613 operating budget provides for investments in employee salaries and benefits, expands the County’s EMS capabilities, and addresses capital needs across the County as well as at Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.  The 2024-2025 budget is supported by a county property tax rate of $0.631 per $100 valuation; this is a reduced rate from the current $0.84 per $100 valuation, although it is $.09 higher than the revenue neutral rate of $0.54.

To expand and enhance fire protection across the County, and with the support and counsel of the Granville County Fire Commission, the Fire Protection Service District tax rate will remain at $0.06 per $100 valuation, which represents a $.021 increase above the revenue neutral rate of $.039.

The full budget document is available to view on the Granville County website HERE.

Karen Evans was formally appointed to fill the role of Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and Chair Timothy Karan administered the Oath of Office. Evans was originally hired in September 2023 as Deputy Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and succeeds outgoing Clerk to the Board Debra Weary who will retire from Granville County on June 30.

Other business conducted on June 3 included:

– An update from Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) President Dr. Rachel Desmaris on the state of VGCC including the planned Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Triangle North Granville Business Park.

– An update from Granville County Search and Recovery.

– Approval of special amendments to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for Granville County’s allocations to Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) and Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start. Those allocations could not be approved in the regular budget ordinance due to Commissioner Sue Hinman serving as Executive Director of ACIM and Commissioner Tony Cozart’s role as Executive Director of Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start. Both recused themselves from voting on their organization’s funding allocation.

– Approval of six resolutions at the request of the Granville County Board of Education supporting their requests to the State of North Carolina for changes to school safety funding, changes to the English as a Second Language (ESL) entry/exit criteria, request for funding allocation for required devices to conduct state testing, request for additional funding for Exceptional Children Services, supporting professional development in linguistics and financial consideration for the ESL program, and supporting changes to state retirement restrictions for educators.

– Approval of a contract with the Granville County Board of Education for the purchase of the former G.C. Hawley Middle School on Hawley School Road in Creedmoor. The agreement includes stipulations that Granville County will take on all expenses for demolition and hazard abatement, that the site will honor the legacy G.C. Hawley and the school itself, and that any future facilities constructed on the site will allow priority usage by Granville County Public Schools (GCPS). The contract also commits Granville County to increase capital outlay funding to meet the repair and renovation needs of other GCPS schools.

– Approval of a financial consulting services contract with Davenport & Company, LLC.

– Approval of a maintenance contract and support agreements with Southern Software, Inc. for various software and hardware at the Granville County Emergency Communications Center.

– Reappointing Jennifer Currin (District 2), Andrea Westcott (District 4), and Angela Gooch (District 6) to the Animal Control Advisory Committee.

– Appointing David Hinton (District 2) and Randy Green (District 5) to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs.

– Reappointing Ronnie Boyd (District 2), Harriet Morton (District 4), and Allan Strickland (District 6) to the Veterans Affairs Committee.

– Appointing William Lyon (District 7) to the Granville County Planning Board.

– Approval of budget amendment #11 for fiscal year 2023-2024.

– Approval of realignment of assigned fund balance for economic and physical development.

– Approval of request for lottery funding for school construction.

– Approval of tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for May 7, 2024, to May 20, 2024.

– Approval of Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for April 15, 2024.

– Approval of revisions to the Granville County Personnel Policy.

The next meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

To stay informed about upcoming meetings of the Board of Commissioners, visit the Granville County website at www.granvillecounty.org where you can sign up for the “Sunshine List” and follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GranvilleCountyGov.

Granville DSS Recognizes Foster Parents

Posted May 30, 2024

Granville County Department of Social Services (DSS) recognized the work of local foster parents and DSS staff on Wednesday, May 29 at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP). The event was organized by the DSS Foster Care Unit and featured a meal catered by Homestead Steakhouse that provided the opportunity for foster families to build community and camaraderie while enjoying an evening at the GAP.

Social Services Board and County Board of Commissioners members Sue Hinman and Tony Cozart were joined by Commissioner Zelodis Jay and Guardian Ad Litem coordinator Samantha Branch to thank foster families for their work protecting and housing some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They also recognized the work of DSS staff, particularly those who work most closely with children in foster care in the Child Protective Services and Foster Care units.

Granville County, along with all other counties in North Carolina, is always seeking additional qualified adults interested in completing the foster parent training program. For more information, contact Lama Elkhatib by email at lama.elkhatib@granvillecounty.org or by calling 919-693-1511.

Animal Management Hosts Rabies Clinic

Posted May 29, 2024

Several times a year, Granville County Animal Management holds clinics to provide free rabies vaccinations for pets across the county. The last clinic was held at Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in May 2024, and over a three-hour period, volunteers administered vaccines to 103 dogs and cats.

Rabies vaccines are required by the State of North Carolina for all pets, and it is a very simple way to protect your pet from wild animals and ensure that they are not a danger to other pets, your family, or neighbors. The Corinth event was made possible with the assistance of the dedicated Corinth firefighters who provided space and staff for traffic control. Animal shelter volunteers Sara Jones, Michael Page, Dr. Trudi Bowden, and Kacey Katz as well as Animal Management staff Carlos Landrau, Lauren Mangin, and Kellie Page also helped make this event a success.

Vaccinations are available at the Granville County Animal Shelter for $6 and appointments are recommended. Free clinics are also held throughout the year. For more information, visit the Granville County Animal Shelter website at this link or call 919-693-6749. The Animal Shelter is located at 515 New Commerce Drive in Oxford and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Extension Master Gardeners Tour NC State Plant Sciences Building

Posted May 23, 2024

Members of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Granville and Person County (EMGVAGP) recently enjoyed a field trip to Raleigh to visit the State Farmers Market and NC State’s Plant Sciences Building (PSB) on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Members had the opportunity to shop and have lunch at the market before conducting their monthly business meeting and taking a tour of PSB.

The tour included a visit to the rooftop greenhouses that we are tall enough for tree height plant research, observation of students working in state-of-the-art labs, growth/atmospheric chambers for plant research, and makerspaces. The group also learned about partnerships with numerous departments on N.C. State’s campus regarding plant science research.  The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers also discovered how the NC State Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) allows growing companies to use PSI lab spaces to research their products.

The group ended their day with an ice cream treat at NC State’s Howling Cow Creamery.

Interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer? The next training for folks in Granville and Person counties begins August 8th. For more information, contact Extension agent Johnny Coley (johnny_coley@ncsu.edu) or visit the group’s Facebook page (Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Granville/Person County) at this link: https://www.facebook.com/granvilleandperson.mastergardeners/