GOVERNMENT
**Stoneville Town Council Votes to Retain Police Department Amid Public Concerns**
**STONEVILLE, N.C.** – In a decisive move, the Stoneville Town Council has voted to maintain its police department following a recent public discussion regarding its future.
On Tuesday night, the council engaged with residents about potential changes to local law enforcement, a topic that has been generating buzz on social media for over a week. The council presented three options: retaining the existing police department, adopting a hybrid model with collaboration from the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, or transitioning to full reliance on the Sheriff's Office.
Residents expressed concerns about potential longer response times and a diminished police presence in the community. However, Mayor Kathy Stanley-Galvan reassured attendees that if the decision were made to partner with the Sheriff's Office, dedicated deputies would be present in Stoneville daily, alleviating fears of inadequate coverage.
“The sheriff’s department will provide consistent coverage in our town, ensuring that they are here every day, specifically dedicated to Stoneville,” Mayor Stanley-Galvan stated.
One of the challenges highlighted during the discussions was the difficulty in retaining police officers, as competing municipalities often offer more lucrative salaries. Former Mayor Rex Tuggle expressed confidence in Stoneville’s ability to remain competitive by making the town more attractive to potential recruits through financial support from citizens and local businesses.
“We’re putting more money in the fund balance, and as our contributions increase, we are building up resources well beyond what the state requires,” Tuggle noted.
The council's decision underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong local law enforcement presence while addressing community concerns about safety and officer retention.
**STONEVILLE, N.C.** – In a decisive move, the Stoneville Town Council has voted to maintain its police department following a recent public discussion regarding its future.
On Tuesday night, the council engaged with residents about potential changes to local law enforcement, a topic that has been generating buzz on social media for over a week. The council presented three options: retaining the existing police department, adopting a hybrid model with collaboration from the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, or transitioning to full reliance on the Sheriff's Office.
Residents expressed concerns about potential longer response times and a diminished police presence in the community. However, Mayor Kathy Stanley-Galvan reassured attendees that if the decision were made to partner with the Sheriff's Office, dedicated deputies would be present in Stoneville daily, alleviating fears of inadequate coverage.
“The sheriff’s department will provide consistent coverage in our town, ensuring that they are here every day, specifically dedicated to Stoneville,” Mayor Stanley-Galvan stated.
One of the challenges highlighted during the discussions was the difficulty in retaining police officers, as competing municipalities often offer more lucrative salaries. Former Mayor Rex Tuggle expressed confidence in Stoneville’s ability to remain competitive by making the town more attractive to potential recruits through financial support from citizens and local businesses.
“We’re putting more money in the fund balance, and as our contributions increase, we are building up resources well beyond what the state requires,” Tuggle noted.
The council's decision underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong local law enforcement presence while addressing community concerns about safety and officer retention.
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