WINDSOR – Bertie County leaders have stepped up to help their local law enforcement.

The town of Windsor is expected to do the same.

During their regular meeting April 19, the Bertie County Board of Commissioners agreed to donate $925 toward roof repairs at the Bertie County Peace Officers Association building in Windsor.

The board responded to a letter written by Windsor Police Chief Rodney Hoggard, who serves as president of the association. In his correspondence, Chief Hoggard said the building had much needed repairs.

“The roof is leaking severely and has caused damage to the interior of the building and a portion of the ceiling has fallen,” Chief Hoggard wrote. “Without these repairs, the building will surely deteriorate and eventually fall in.”

Bertie County Commissioner J. Wallace Perry said he had spoken to the chief about the building and had learned the county actually owned the property.

The commissioner said he believed the county should help with the repairs and other board members said they agreed.

Commissioner Rick Harrell said if the county owned the property, it was obligated to keep it up.

Perry said he understood the town of Windsor was willing to match whatever money was provided by the county for the repairs. Hoggard said in a later interview that he believed the town will indeed provide matching funds at their next meeting.

Included with the letter was a quote of $1,805.36 for materials to be used for the repairs. The request from the Peace Officers Association was only for materials as members intend to do the work themselves.

Perry made a motion to provide $925 in assistance with Harrell offering a second. The motion passed without objection.

Chief Hoggard said he had received word from the county about their intended support and believed the town would provide the remaining financial donation to meet their need. He said work would begin on the project within the month.

“Hopefully we’ll be moving soon because every time we get rain it leaks,” Chief Hoggard said. “We need to do something very soon.”

The chief said the Peace Officers Association used the building monthly for a meal and meeting and that the building was also used as a training center for police officers. It has been used by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for training as well.