County agrees to split 5% local match for proposed Ramsour manufacturing project

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted to support a proposed manufacturing project in Ramsour by approving a county contribution toward the 5% local match required for a North Carolina Department of Commerce building reuse grant.

Crystal Geddy told the board Earth Retention Industries has acquired property at 7718 U.S. Highway 64, plans at least $350,000 in building renovations, and expects the total investment (including machinery and equipment) to exceed that amount. Geddy said the company would create 22 positions with an average annual wage of $57,048, above the county average of $49,355. The EDC requested the county provide half of the 5% local match for the $175,000 grant—$4,375—and asked the board to pass a resolution authorizing submission of the application.

Chair opened the required public hearing and, with no speakers, returned the item to the board. Commissioner (speaker 9) moved to adopt the resolution authorizing the county to provide one-half of the local match; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Geddy and staff emphasized that grant disbursements will be tied to performance measures and that the project is contingent on state grant approval.

The board did not set additional conditions at the meeting beyond standard grant reporting and the EDC’s requirement that performance metrics be met before funds are distributed.