STONEVILLE, N.C. — UPDATE: The Stoneville Town Council votes to keep its police department.
On Tuesday night, the Stoneville Town Council will discuss with residents the possibility of dissolving its police department. This marks the first public conversation about the future of the Stoneville Police Department, though rumors began circulating on social media more than a week ago.
The agenda includes three options for the town's law enforcement: keeping the current police department, implementing a hybrid model with Stoneville Police Department working alongside Rockingham County Sheriff's deputies, or relying solely on the Sheriff's Office. The primary concerns among residents include longer response times and a lack of police presence around town. However, Mayor Kathy Stanley-Galvan reassured that this would not be an issue.
"If we do choose the sheriff's department, we will have coverage in our town. They will be there every day, dedicated just to our town of Stoneville. It will not be a situation where they are in Reidsville or Eden and have to come a certain distance," Mayor Stanley-Galvan said.
One challenge the town faces is retaining police officers, as other towns and counties can offer higher salaries. However, former Mayor Rex Tuggle believes Stoneville can remain competitive.
"Make it a little more attractive to get policemen in here. We're putting more money in the fund balance. Our citizens and our merchants are contributing every year. We're adding to it. It's building up, and it's now well beyond what the state requires," Tuggle stated.
We will update this article if the town council makes a decision on Tuesday night.
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