Former Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Jeff Hinton will be returning as interim head of the police department following a unanimous vote by city council tonight.

Hinton will receive $29 an hour with a 1,000 hour cap. He will receive a city cell phone and a patrol car but no benefits beyond what he is receiving from his retirement.

Council decided last week after a lengthy closed session to draw a contract that would allow Hinton to come back as interim chief.

Hinton joins two other retired employees, Chris Wicker who is writing grants, and Ron Baird, who is evidence custodian for the police department. They are making $25 an hour with a 1,000 hour limit.

The city announced Hinton's retirement in February and the 30-year lawman's last day was March 1.

Since then Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek has acted as interim chief.

Hinton started his career as a patrol officer in 1981 and, except for a brief stint as a jailer with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, spent his entire career with the city.

He was appointed chief in 2008.

“Chief Hinton has served the city of Roanoke Rapids and law enforcement in general with honor and distinction,” Sabiston said in the news release then. “He was an experienced leader that could add stability and common sense to otherwise high pressure situations. He will be sorely missed."

In another matter tonight council approved a special use permit that will allow Reinco Corporation to include a bar in its new business, Bagz-N-Boards, which will be dedicated to cornhole, in which boards and other cornhole equipment will be sold.

There will be a cornhole course inside the building, which will be located at 1001 Roanoke Avenue.

Open cornhole games and tournaments will also be played at the business, which is owned by Lonnie M. Harris III.