Staffing and pay

Police officer and retired Marine described rising crime burdens, officers working off-duty jobs to make ends meet, and warned the town will lose officers without competitive pay.

Sergeant credited proactive policing for falling crime and asked for competitive pay and additional officer positions to meet growth.

Fire chief said 99% of his firefighters work second jobs, noted the aging 2005 Explorer awaiting replacement, and endorsed a tax increase — noting six cents costs about $25/month on a $500,000 property.

Shift commander said he'll return from surgery on light duty because of staffing shortages, and said officers leave for better pay despite preferring Hope Mills' proactive culture.