The state Department of Correction is aware of concerns about the location of the probation and parole office near Weldon Middle School, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

“We understand the concerns and we are involved in discussions with the county manager on the issue,” said Keith Acree.   

“We want to be good neighbors and will continue to work closely with the county since they are legislatively mandated to provide suitable office space for probation officers,” Acree said. “Sex offenders and offenders who have committed crimes against children will be seen at the Day Reporting Center and not at the location near the school if it becomes the new probation office.”

In February county commissioners decided to not renew the lease it currently has with a landlord in the Forest Hills Shopping Center in Roanoke Rapids.

With an annual lease payment of $26,640 and annual operating costs of $15,000, commissioners decided they could make improvements to the food stamp building for $87,000.

Commissioners had three options involving the Andrew Jackson school building, all more costly than the food stamp building proposal.

Under the plan approved by the board, probation and parole, sentencing services, day reporting and community service would move to the new building, located between Weldon and Halifax.

The food stamp building has 5,500 square feet while the current building has 3,000 square feet.

Since then the Weldon City Schools Board of Education has objected to the move. The matter will be discussed at the board’s meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m.