Thirty-two Roanoke Rapids police officers will receive a one-time bonus of $1,750 through the Local Law Enforcement Officer Compensation Bonus Program.

The program is administered by the North Carolina SBI and was established by the General Assembly through the 2026 Appropriations Act, acting Deputy Finance Director Krista Rourk told the city council Tuesday.

The council approved an ordinance to accept $60,284.16 in state funds for the bonuses.

The bonus is for officers who were employed with the city as of June 30.

Rourk said $56,000 covers the bonus payments, while $4,284.16 covers the employer’s portion of FICA and Medicare.

City Manager Kelly Traynham said there are no city funds involved, but the ordinance was needed to transfer the funds to the city’s account. “They sent us the money and then we sent it out after months of communications back and forth, sending them the quantities and verifying their employment.”

Responding to a question from Councilman Curt Strickland, Rourk explained that the program isn’t about years of service, but that it is tied to terms of the legislation.

Traynham said the city had a couple of officers who were in Basic Law Enforcement Training at the time, but because they were not certified, they wouldn't be eligible for the bonus. “We have one former employee we will have to issue a check to.”