The Stanfield Board of Commissioners reached a consensus to unanimously support the addition of a police dog to the next year’s budget Thursday night.

Commissioner James Griffin presented the idea to the council.

The canine, assigned to the Stanfield Police Department, would cost about $20,000 with an additional $155 for liability each year, Griffin said. Police dogs usually serve six to eight years.

“The canine is considered another officer,” Griffin said. “It’s an added asset to the police.”

The canine would be able to detect multiple drugs including methamphetamines, heroin, and other typical drugs. It would be trained and would help with the opioid crisis and search and rescue. Lieutenant Jimmy Schneider would be in custody and control of the canine and, unless something happens, the dog would be specifically utilized in Stanfield.

“It’s a commitment,” Schneider said, “and it is long term.”

The council also passed a resolution affirming the adoption of the Pete Henkel Park Master Plan.

The plan is a three-year project to improve the park, including renovating the concession stand, improving the ballfield, playgrounds, fitness station, disc golf, and corn hole boards. The plans also call for the construction of an ADA accessible walking path and an ADA restroom.

The total cost of the project is $450,000. The council applied for a $225,000 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. If the grant is approved, the town will offer up the other $225,000.

Finally, the council discussed creating official Stanfield email accounts for all of the commissioners, separate from their personal email accounts. Commissioner James Kluttz offered up the idea.

The next town council meeting will be April 4.