Hope Haywood recognized at last full commissioners meeting

ASHEBORO — Randolph County leaders and state legislators congratulated Hope Haywood at her last full Board of Commissioners meeting on Nov. 2.

Haywood, who chose not to run for a fourth term, was joined by her sons in front of the historic courthouse’s dais while her colleagues thanked her for eight years of service.

North Carolina Sen. Dave Craven presented her with a framed commemoration that had been read in Raleigh. He said Haywood was someone whose opinion he always respected, even when they disagreed. “To all of us in here, she has worked harder and has been more involved in this community,” he said.

Commissioner Chair Darrell Frye talked about the last months her husband Stan Haywood served as a commissioner. Before his death, Frye said Stan asked that his wife finish his term. Hope Haywood succeeded him, representing District 4 in 2018. She was re-elected in 2020 and 2022.

“Where two or three are gathered together, Hope’s likely to be there,” Frye said. He then read a resolution in her honor. He said she took special interest in public health and children’s wellbeing.

Retired Commissioner Harold Holmes attended the meeting so he could thank Haywood. He said she “carried the torch very well.”

Haywood said her faith carried her through her time as a commissioner. “The things that bring you the greatest joy are the biggest challenges,” she said. “This has given me a lot of joy.”

Duffy Johnson was elected on Nov. 3 to succeed Haywood.

County business

Following the ceremony, the commissioners took up the regular agenda. They adopted the 2027 schedule of values, standards and rules for the upcoming property reappraisal. Tax Assessor Debra Hill said it will begin on Jan. 1. Any property owner who believes these rules are not valid will have 30 days to appeal to the property tax commission.

In other business, commissioners:

■ Approved $233,458.70 for five new Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles at the request of Chief Deputy Steven Nunn. Commissioner Kenny Kidd asked if they are ready for delivery. Nunn said the vendor Deacon Jones will put in the order to Ford.

■ Approved paying ADW Architects to design a new central permitting building. County Engineer Paxton Arthurs said he and staff decided not to renovate the current one on East Academy Street. Their plan is to build a 12,000-square-foot building on the same property, costing roughly $10.5 million. The commissioners agreed to the design cost of $813,000.

■ Scheduled the annual meeting with the Asheboro City School Board for Feb. 11, 2027.

Also, commissioners heard from:

■ NC Cooperative Extension Director Lauren Langley, who presented amendments to the ordinance for the Voluntary Agricultural District. These incorporate changes made by the state, particularly for when district land is condemned or rezoned.

■ Amber Scarlett, executive director of the Tourism Development Authority, who delivered the annual report.

She said the 2025 tourism spending was down slightly from 2024. Visitors spent $195.19 million, a 2.3 percent decrease.

Randolph County saw 1.64 million visitors, with Seagrove Pottery and the North Carolina Zoo among the top destinations.

Scarlett said the TDA plans to use anchor destinations to drive more people into local communities. Commissioner David Allen asked how the TDA is preparing for the opening of the Zoo’s Asia continent.

Scarlett said the TDA will hold a tourism summit to educate local partners on creating special experiences that will make zoo visitors want to stay longer.