Randolph County Commission approves courthouse loitering ban, two budget amendments and colorectal cancer proclamation

The Randolph County Commission voted unanimously on March 9 to adopt a rule prohibiting loitering on courthouse property and to bar visitors from entering the courthouse before 8 a.m., and to approve two budget amendments that fund office renovations and an EMA equipment purchase.

Commissioner Pamela Johnson moved “to prohibit loitering in the courthouse and on courthouse property and to prohibit visitors from entering the courthouse before 8 a.m.” Commissioner Chris Lunsford seconded, and Chairman Derek Farr announced the motion carried with all present voting “aye.” The rule was adopted as a county-level restriction on courthouse grounds.

The commission also approved budget amendment 2026-003 to allow circuit judges to renovate their offices using judicial court funds. The amendment recognizes $10,000 in reimbursement revenue and a corresponding $10,000 expenditure (General Fund codes 001-44222-000 and 001-51210-231), yielding a net effect of $0.00 in the county general fund. The motion to authorize the renovations was made by Commissioner Lorenzo Foster and seconded by Commissioner Larry Roberts and passed unanimously.

Separately, the commission approved budget amendment 2026-004 to account for a $1,716.06 contribution from the Randolph County Volunteer Fire Association toward the purchase of an ID card maker for the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) office. Amendment 2026-004 moves $1,716.06 into siren fund revenue (109-44222-000) and the corresponding equipment purchase line (109-52306-540), also with a net effect of $0.00. Commissioner Foster moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Roberts seconded and the vote was unanimous.

During the meeting the commission adopted a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, urging residents—particularly adults 45 and older and those with family histories of the disease—to pursue screening and early detection. The proclamation was entered into the record and signed by the chairman and commissioners.

The consent agenda—approval of the Feb. 23, 2026 meeting minutes, review of approved check payments, and approval of budgeted salary changes—was approved by unanimous vote earlier in the session. The meeting record shows motions to amend the agenda to add courthouse safety discussion, to approve the amended agenda, and to adjourn; each recorded motion carried with all commissioners present voting “aye.”

Votes at a glance: - Amend agenda to add courthouse safety: motion by Pamela Johnson; second Lorenzo Foster; vote 5–0 (aye). - Approve amended agenda: motion by Pamela Johnson; second Chris Lunsford; vote 5–0 (aye). - Proclamation—Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: motion by Lorenzo Foster; second Pamela Johnson; vote 5–0 (aye). - Consent agenda approval: motion by Lorenzo Foster; second Larry Roberts; vote 5–0 (aye). - Authorize circuit judge office renovations / approve budget amendment 2026-003: motion by Lorenzo Foster; second Larry Roberts; vote 5–0 (aye). - Approve budget amendment 2026-004 (EMA ID card maker reimbursement $1,716.06): motion by Lorenzo Foster; second Larry Roberts; vote 5–0 (aye). - Prohibit loitering and bar visitors before 8 a.m.: motion by Pamela Johnson; second Chris Lunsford; vote 5–0 (aye). - Adjourn: motion by Lorenzo Foster; second Chris Lunsford; vote 5–0 (aye).

The commission listed future calendar items and staff reports on the agenda; no further debate or public testimony on these specific actions appears in the meeting record. The meeting was recorded as adjourned after the listed business.