Stanfield Town Council received a presentation from officials at the Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG).

CCOG serves nine counties and more than 60 local governments around the greater Charlotte area and two CCOG officials, including Executive Director Geraldine Gardner, were present and spoke during the meeting.

CCOG’s four main divisions include aging services, community and economic development, regional planning and workforce development.

“We’re essentially able to be government consultants,” said Bobby Williams, a project manager for CCOG. “We have the ability to do just about anything if given the chance.”

Stanfield is currently not part of CCOG; other Stanly County cities though, like Albemarle, are part of the group.

After the presentation, some council members weren’t completely sold on the organization.

“I don’t think we need it,” Councilman Larry Sides said.

He added the town has been getting along without the services of CCOG.

“I heard a lot of generalities tonight, but no specifics” regarding CCOG, said Stanfield Mayor Kevin Barbee.

But others saw CCOG as an opportunity to help revitalize the town.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a seat at the table” with other local municipalities around the area, said Councilman Rick Williams.

Williams said Stanfield is in “dire need” of workforce development. Stanfield is more than two years behind other local towns in terms of technology, he said.

Williams added the council should think about the potential benefits of CCOG before making a decision.

CCOG requires a basic membership fee, which is based on each municipality’s population.