Police gain 3 officers in spending plan

By TIM FLACH - tflach@thestate.com

Three more police officers might be keeping an eye on gangs and patrolling Lexington streets in coming months.

The officers — bringing the town force to 43 — are the only new employees included in a proposed $19.9 million spending plan that would take effect July 1.

A specialist in gangs is vital as problems like graffiti, youth fights and intimidation “are coming our way,” police chief Terrence Green said. “We need to be proactive in handling that.”

More officers are needed to patrol mainly along U.S. 378 as new stores, offices and apartments open on the east side of town, he said.

The officers will be hired in stages through spring, bringing town staff overall to 128.

The plan raises spending $2.4 million on town services without a property tax increase, the 17th consecutive year taxes remain the same. Neither utility rates nor other fees will go up.

Revenue gains from steady development makes that possible, officials said.

“We’re able to live off our growth,” town administrator Jim Duckett said.

Town Council members said they were happy with the plan after reviewing it Monday.

The only major change requested is from Mayor Randy Halfacre, who wants to add up to $100,000 for road improvements.

The town would get more federal matching money for each dollar it contributes. The money would be used to relieve congestion downtown where three major routes intersect, he said.

Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.