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Angier board hears plans for new park and expanded police staffing, including K-9 program
Summary
Parks reported an 83% increase in athletic participation since 2021 and set an anticipated June 15 bid date for a new park; police asked for three positions and equipment tied to a new facility opening in September, including a K-9 program funded partly by a pending grant.
At the May 11 budget retreat the Town of Angier received separate presentations from the Parks and Recreation and Police departments that together outline near-term capital and personnel needs.
Parks and Recreation Director Austin Yarborough told the board athletic participation has risen 83% since 2021 and said the existing park is reaching capacity, supporting requests for ball-field repairs, community center design services, replacement picnic tables and an expanded events budget. The board agreed to include a placeholder line item for erosion control while staff obtains quotes for possible solutions; Mr. Yarborough indicated a bid timeline around June 15 for the new park project.
Finance Director Kristin Stafford said the town expects to fund approximately two-thirds of the park project with cash and finance roughly one-third to avoid overextending the town as multiple projects advance. Staff will return with more concrete project numbers before reallocating funds.
Police Chief Lee Thompson outlined staffing and equipment needs associated with the new police station anticipated to open in September. The department requested a full-time investigator, a K-9 officer and a civilian administrative assistant to support front-desk and records functions. Chief Thompson said vehicle upfitting costs run about $16,000 per patrol vehicle, and the department has applied for a grant to help cover K-9 purchase and training expenses.
Commissioner Debra Fields urged expanded community outreach, particularly on drug awareness for children. The board expressed interest in increased patrols at parks and downtown areas to improve public safety and visibility. No final funding decisions were made at the retreat; staff were asked to provide bids, cost breakdowns and grant-status updates ahead of the proposed budget submission.
