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The idea of contracting with the sheriff’s department for law enforcement in Mocksville isn’t a new idea.

Sheriff J.D. Hartman told county commissioners at a special meeting Monday he was first approached with the idea by former town manager, Matt Settlemyer, who retired on Oct. 1, 2020. Hartman said he provided Settlemyer with two options for providing law enforcement services to the town.

Commissioner Mark Jones asked Hartman to elaborate on the time line because of “misconceptions out there.”

Commissioner Benita Finney said it is important for an open session comment as to whether the agreement would be binding to a different sheriff.

Yes and no, Hartman said.

“Another sheriff doesn’t have to honor it … but it would be impossible for any sheriff not to honor it,” he said, comparing the issue to a contract to feed inmates in the jail.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the agreement.