GARLAND — In an effort to make sure residents receive aid when disaster strikes, town commissioners are hosting a public hearing to adopt a plan.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting for the Sampson/Duplin Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Town Hall, 190 S. Church Ave., Garland. Following the hearing, the board will make a decision about adopting a resolution for the plan.

Town Clerk Pamela Cashwell reported that the town will be out of compliance until a public hearing and adoption takes place. If approved by Garland Commissioners, the plan will be submitted to the North Carolina Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 states that local governments are required to develop a plan to receive funding.

“If we don’t do it and we were to have some type of disaster and there was FEMA money, the town would not receive any FEMA money,” Cashwell said while explaining some of the consequences.

According to the resolution, certain areas of the county are vulnerable to flooding, high winds, heat waves and severe winter weather. Towns in Sampson and Duplin counties have specific actions to handle natural hazards or man-made disasters. Prior to the meeting, the public is encouraged to review the plan at www.sampsonduplinrhmp.org

For more information about the hearing, contact Cashwell at 910-529-4141.

Cop car coming soon

Garland Commissioner Ralph Smith and his colleagues continued plans to build a police department by agreeing to have a patrol car shipped to Sampson County.

During a previous meeting, Smith and the board approved plans for the purchase of a 2010 Dodge Charge, with a price tag close to $11,000. The vehicle from Florida-based Copcarsonline has more than 65,000 miles and is fully equipped, but it’s missing a radio and a computer.

The board approved $450 for the shipping. Town Clerk Pamela Cashwell revealed that the vehicle will be ready soon after talks with the company.

“(The mechanic) said it’s now in detail and it will be ready in a couple of days,” Cashwell said.

The work of establishing a police department started when the majority of commissioners agreed to stop receiving services from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. At the time, the office offered its service at $113,000. Town leaders said that amount, which includes a $25,000 increase was too much for the town.

During a public hearing in June, several residents voiced concerns about not having a law enforcement presence in Garland.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook

Town’s patrol car on its way

By Chase Jordan

[email protected]

Garland Mayor Winifred Hill Murphy, Mayor Pro-Tem Haywood Johnson and Town Clerk Pamela Cashwell review documents during a meeting.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Garland.jpgGarland Mayor Winifred Hill Murphy, Mayor Pro-Tem Haywood Johnson and Town Clerk Pamela Cashwell review documents during a meeting.