STALLINGS, N.C. -- Tuesday's National Night Out in Stallings could be the police department's last.
Budget woes could put the department on the chopping block and return patrols to the Union County Sheriff's Office.
"This is our first Chestnut Oaks National Night Out and we're excited about that," said Chestnut Oaks neighbor Lorayn DeLuca.
The first could also be the last. You can thank the economy for the "saving money versus protection" battle.
"This has been brewing for a while," said neighbor Cathy Goodrich.
About two dozen officers serve the town of about 13,000.
Mayor Lynda Paxton says officers answer about three calls a night and says Union County could take over and do the same job for less money.
Union County patrolled Stallings before the town created its own police department seven years ago.
"If we don't have that much crime then Union County or whoever can support us from outlying areas -- if that support can keep us safe then I'm all for giving it up," said neighbor Sarah Jerrell.
DeLuca says she moved to Stallings because it has a police department.
"We need to have a police department so that we can be protected and feel safe," she said.
Neighbors say no police department means they'll be waiting for help like they did years ago.
"It's quite a difference in calling for an immediate need and having a deputy from the other side of Union County respond," Goodrich said.
Now that they know their officers a little better, the hope is Chestnut Oaks isn't saying "bye" so soon after saying "hi."
"It would be bittersweet," Goodrich said.
Stallings police aren't talking about this. But they will have something to say Friday after hearing the mayor's proposal Thursday night and letting it sink in.
