The Halifax County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission Gang Task Force grant that will mean the addition of a gang task force officer.

Commissioners today approved the $53,000 grant which will cover a two-year period.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said he has named current Detective Obert Wiltsie the gang task officer and he is expected to begin his duties on or around July 1.

Tripp announced in April it appeared the sheriff's office was going to be awarded the grant.

According to information contained in today's meeting agenda, the position will be at sergeant's pay grade. When the grant ends, the position will go away unless the county decides to fund the position.

There will be a meeting in Raleigh Thursday with the sheriff's administrative officer, the county finance officer and county manager to go over details of the grant, Tripp said.

With an estimated 25 active gangs in the county, Tripp said the position, “Is going to definitely help us combat gangs. We'll be working closely with the United States Attorney's Office and the District Attorney's Office in prosecuting gang members, gathering intelligence for successful prosecution of gang members and be accessible to all municipalities to help combat gang problems countywide.”

Tripp said Wiltsie will not only work alongside the detective decision, but the City County Drug Task Force. “Where there's guns and drugs, there's gangs and there are different statutes on hate crime and organized crime. Gang activity is a segment of organized crime.”

Wiltsie, Tripp said, “Has been gathering intelligence all along. He has a clear understanding of the job and is well-versed and trained as an investigator.”

In other matters today the board:

Approved the 2015-2016 fiscal year budget.

Approved $152,100 for the water supply infrastructure to the Klausner site in Enfield.