Because the state and an unnamed company have yet to reach a deal regarding an incentive package, the county has no choice but to keep tight lips until an agreement is reached.

During the county commissioners meeting Tuesday night, the board was to discuss an incentive package for a company that may be relocating or expanding in Richmond County.

But because there is still unsettled business with the company and the state, the county had no choice but to move the item to next month’s agenda.

Surrounded by deputies and staff from the sheriff’s department, Sheriff Dale Furr announced his retirement Tuesday night.

“I don’t know if they came here to make sure I was going to do it, or if they didn’t believe me,” Furr said.

Commissioner chairman Kenneth Robinette had nothing but kind words to say following Furr’s speech.

“It’s been an opportunity and a privilege to work with you,” Robinette said. “You’ve made Richmond County a safer place. The leadership and hiring of great deputies has made a huge difference. I don’t think many people realize what a great job your department does to make Richmond County safer.

“If anyone deserves retirement, you do.”

Longtime public servant G.R. Kindley Jr. also received praise during the meeting for his 40 years of public service in Richmond County.

Kindley worked as a Rockingham councilman, mayor and served on the board of the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The board also heard Tuesday night that the new judicial building is 75 percent complete. Director of Community Services, B.K. Jones anticipates the basic building will be finished by January and be ready to open to the public by late April or early May.

And, beginning this month, the commissioners will no longer hold their second monthly meetings Tuesdays at noon. Instead the commissioners will hold meetings when necessary by announcing them 48-hours in advance, per N.C. statute. Emergency meetings will not require the same notice.

Other items the board approved Tuesday night include:

n Setting a public hearing for the rezoning of property on Highway U.S. 1 for the purpose of a sand drag race strip for the commissioners’ next meeting Oct. 5.

n Declaring the week of Sept. 28-Oct.2 as “Industry Appreciation Week” in Richmond County.

n Approving a bond resolution to initiate a process to issue school construction bonds for Chalk Road Elementary School.

n Approving a request from Richmond Community College to apply unassigned rennovation/repair funds for additional projects including a fire alarm and dam repair.

n Agreeing to support the 2009 Toys for Tots campaign in Richmond County Oct. 15-Dec. 20.

n Approving a budget amendment to accept and appropriate $383,778 in grant funds awarded to Richmond County Sheriff’s Department through Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program.

n Approving the application for a Governor’s Highway Safety Grant

n Declaring a piece of equipment from Herbert C. Diggs Park as surplus property for disposal.

n Declaring miscellaneous Department of Social Services Furniture as surplus property for disposal.

n Declaring sheriff’s department office equipment as surplus property for disposal.

n Reappointing Animal Cruelty Investigator Mark K. Pankey for a new, one-year term.

n Declaring Fall Litter Sweep 2009 from Sept. 19-Oct. 3.

The commissioners’ next scheduled meeting is Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.