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Webster contracts Sheriff’s deputies to patrol streets
By Justin Goble
Webster residents will soon see Sheriff’s deputies keeping a watch on the town’s streets.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Monday signed a contract with Webster leaders to patrol the town. Under the terms of the agreement, off-duty deputies will monitor the streets at least six hours per week.
According to Mayor Steve Gray, the town will be paying the deputies $20 per hour. The majority of patrols will focus on N.C. 116 from the Department of Transportation office to the bridge over the Tuckaseigee River; Buchanan Loop; and North and South River Roads to the town limits.
Webster leaders earmarked $5,000 of this year’s budget to pay for the patrols, which have been the topic of discussion for some time, Gray said.
“Before the last election, the old board had been discussing traffic problems for some time,” he said. “When the new board was elected, we revisited the issue. We founded the traffic safety committee, which met with the Sheriff’s Office and DOT, as has the board. During the budget proceedings, we decided to designate funds to provide off-duty officers to help with our traffic problems. The main problem areas have been N.C. 116 and Buchanan Loop.”
With the signing of the contract, officers have already begun their patrols, Gray said.
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