Town of Kenly moving forward after losing entire police force

It was a packed house inside Kenly council chambers Monday, where dozens of residents were on edge about the future of the town.

Kenly's police chief, four police officers and two town administrators announced their resignations last month.

"I don’t want this to separate our town," said Beverly Knight, a Kenly resident. "We need to find a solution, we need to heal and get back together."

Mayor Tooie Hales presented one solution after Monday's meeting.

"We're in the process of forming a committee and the county has graciously offered to help us in the hiring of a new police chief," said Hales. "When we put the committee together, that'll be step one: Hire a police chief and rebuild our force."

Those former employees claimed town manager Justine Jones created a toxic work environment.

Jones, who attended Monday's meeting, conducted business orders as usual. She updated the public on the number of emergency calls the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has received since assisting with patrols.

"Between August 3 and August 7 there were a total of 113 calls for service," said Jones. "94 of those cases were pertaining to residences and business checks."

"They're answering calls, doing a great job," said Halls. "We're very appreciative of Sheriff Bizzell and his team."

Additionally, the town subcontracted two CPAs to complete payroll following the resignations of the two clerks.

"Our ultimate goal, and Ms. Jones's goal, was to get employees paid," said Beverly Stroud, visiting CPA. "That was the only method we could come up with to get them a check on Friday."

Residents pleaded with council members to move forward and do what was best for the town.

"We all want the same thing, a much better town," said Knight. "There’s a lot of things going on here, and it’s up to you guys to make the decision, but you do have to answer to us."