Wingate town council to decide future of police department

A big decision is coming soon to Wingate but, some believe the writing is already on the wall.

“It feels like it’s pre-decided. It feels like we’re battling uphill, but it also feels like they’re not listening to anyone,” said Wingate Police Officer, Sterling Hall.

Hall said he was devastated to learn he and his fellow 9 officers jobs were on the chopping block.

Town council came up with a plan to dissolve the police department and pay the Union County Sheriff’s Office to patrol the town.

A council meeting was held last week asking for community input. A majority of those who spoke, were in favor of keeping the police department. The couple who opposed pointed to the financial aspect. Town council members say the move would save Wingate about $300,000.

Hall says the police department submitted a proposal matching UCSO’s offer,.

“We were a dollar for dollar, identical to the offer that they got from the sheriff’s office when the town approached them,” Hall said.