January 2026 Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Commissioners was held on January 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Town Hall, 107 Main Street, Stovall, North Carolina. 

Mayor Jeffrey G. Stovall present and presiding. 

Board Members Present 

Commissioner Barker, Commissioner Hughes, and Commissioner Rivenbark 

Absent 

Commissioner Sneed 

Guest 

Rob Williford, District County Commissioner  

Administrator Present 

Janet Parrott 

Clerk Present 

Ummala Rowley 

Police Present 

Craig Williams 

Mayor Stovall called the meeting to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Invocation 

Commissioner Barker spoke an opening prayer. 

Mayor’s Update and Presentment of Mayor’s Coin 

Mayor Stovall recognized Rob Williford, who introduced himself to the new board members and welcomed them. Mayor Stovall reported a tragedy in Stovall on Friday evening: one young man died, a juvenile is fighting for life, and a 19-year-old is in custody. Thanks to the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, SBI, Stovall Police, fire departments, and EMS for their professional response. The investigation is ongoing. Mayor Stovall urges everyone to keep the families and those involved in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing unity and compassion. Future measures will include a community debriefing and faith-based counseling for those affected. 

Mayor Stovall recognized Susan Tucker and Billy Puckett with the Mayor’s Coin. 

Police Report 

Chief Williams gave an activity report for the Stovall Police Department for the month from December 09, 2025 to January 13, 2026. 

Activity was as follows: 

• 362 Miles of patrol 

• 4 Citations 

• 2 Reports 

• 0 Arrest 

• 4 Warnings 

Chief Williams reported that on December 11, 2025, we had a Drug search warrant at Puckett Street, and the individuals were arrested and charged with possession of drugs. On January 9, 2026, there was a shooting in the Family Dollar Tree parking lot, one male was shot and killed, and a second male was shot and is currently still in the hospital.  He also mentioned that one male suspect was arrested and charged with murder.  Chief Williams has been working with investigators from the Sheriff’s Office since the incident, and more arrests may be forthcoming as they dig deeper into the investigation. 

Water Report 

Commissioner Rivenbark presented the water report and stated that Oxford billed the town for 1,472,000 gallons, while Stovall billed customers for 848,940 gallons. He also mentioned that we had a water break on US Highway 15 on January 3, 2026, and thanked all our commissioners and town employees who assisted with the break.  

Mayor Stovall also informed the board that the discrepancy includes timing differences between Oxford's billing and our billing, illegal water usage from contractor workers, and a water main break outside the Medical Center on December 5, 2025. 

Approval of Minutes 

A motion was made by Commissioner Rivenbark and seconded by Commissioner Barker to approve the minutes of January 13, 2026.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Old Business 

Mayor Stovall addressed the board, stating that there was no old business to address. 

New Business 

Town Committee Appointments 

Mayor Stovall informed the board that, according to ordinances and customs, the Mayor appoints a Commissioner to oversee certain aspects of the town. The Commissioner is not the sole decision-maker; decisions are made by the entire board. If appointed, you will serve as the “Point Person” for communications, including obtaining bids and identifying needs or projects. During budget time, you are responsible for preparing a proposed budget for your assigned area and communicating it to the Budget and Finance Officers.   

Therefore, appointed committees are as follows: 

Commissioner of Streets, Sidewalks, Signs, Lights, and Cemetery, and assisting Mayor Stovall with the website, Commissioner Barker 

Commissioner over Police and Parks will remain, Commissioner Sneed 

Commissioner of Water/Sewer, Commissioner Rivenbark.  Mayor Stovall informed the board, as a reminder, that the board will eventually need to fill Commissioner Rivenbark’s seat on the Stovall Planning Board. 

Commissioner of Zoning, the budget, and Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner Hughes. 

Our Chamber of Commerce Representative will remain Doug Lunsford.  

Mayor Stovall will be our representative for the COG and the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, and mentioned that we should all help each other as much as possible. 

W.L. Stark & Company, Engagement Letter 

Administrator Parrott informed the board that W.L. Stark & Company’s fees for these services are as follows: 

• Monthly bookkeeping $1,400.00 

• Grant Project bookkeeping $350.00 

A motion was made by Commissioner Hughes and seconded by Commissioner Rivenbark to approve the signing of the Engagement Letter.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Concern Citizen Box 

Commissioner Barker recommended to the board that we establish a suggestion box for Stovall citizens to gather ideas for the Stovall community.  

Street Maintenance 

Commissioner Barker informed the board that we really need to focus on Railroad Street, which needs immediate attention. 

Sidewalk Repairs 

Commissioner Hughes informed the board that the sidewalk requires inspection and repair. 

Commissioner Seat Vacancy 

Mayor Stovall informed the board that Section 2.2 of the Town Charter specifies there should be five commissioners and supplied the Commissioners with information from UNC Government and the general statute regarding town vacancies.   

Public Comment 

Mayor Stovall recognized Mike Williford, who introduced himself and informed the board that one of his attendants had a water break on Owens Street and asked whether the board could adjust the water bill. 

Mayor Stovall recognized Tiana Royster, who introduced herself and expressed her interest in the vacant commissioner seat. She mentioned that she made a cover letter and read it aloud to the board. 

Rob Williford told the board about a grant available for small towns to improve on-street parking and sidewalks.    

Executive Session 

Mayor Stovall requested a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss town personnel issues. 

A motion to go into Executive Session was made by Commissioner Barker and seconded by Commissioner Hughes.  Motion carried unanimously.  

 A motion to come out of Executive Session was made by Commissioner Rivenbark and seconded by Commissioner Barker.  Motion approved unanimously. 

During the Executive Session, the Board discussed personnel issues. 

A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Barker and seconded by Commissioner Hughes motion approved.  Motion carried unanimously. 

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                                                                      Jeffrey G. Stovall, Mayor                                   Date 

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                                                                       Ummala Rowley, Town Clerk                            Date