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At its first meeting of the year, the Stanly County Commissioners held a short meeting, lasting no more than about 20 minutes.

The commissioners agreed to a contract amendment which extends the terms of the current supplemental law enforcement agreement between the County and Badin. Due to Badin Police Chief Bryan Lambert retiring at the end of September along with staff shortage, the Sheriff’s Office has been providing additional law enforcement services.

The sheriff’s deputies get paid additional compensation to answer calls and provide services in Badin.

“They’re on duty for Badin, they’re just not on their normal shift with the Sheriff’s Office that day,” County Manager Andy Lucas said.

The commissioners approved the increase of the contract already agreed upon between the county and the town and extended the term of service since the town is still looking for a new police chief. The supplemental law enforcement help provided by sheriff deputies will now run through March 31 and compensation will not exceed $124,000 without approval from the Badin council.

The commissioners also approved a proclamation for January to be National Radon Action Month, approved two Voluntary Agricultural District applications (Talley Farms, Inc. and Thomas Wilson Talley), approved the budget calendar and agreed on two possible February dates to have their annual strategic planning retreat to discuss fiscal priorities for the upcoming year.