English is now the official language of Dare County, but don't look for other eastern North Carolina counties to follow suit.

During an April 7 meeting, Dare County commissioners voted 4-3 to adopt a resolution declaring English as the county's official language.

According to the text of the resolution, having English as the official language will encourage immigrants to assimilate into American society.

"Today, immigrants are being allowed into our country, our state and our county who cannot read or write in English and as such cannot melt into and become a part of the American culture and society," the resolution reads.

Commissioner Jack Shea, who supported the resolution, said it is not meant to be divisive nor is it targeting a particular population.

"We want to encourage (immigrants) to become part of our community," he said.

Shea said he does not believe the resolution will change anything about the way Dare County conducts business.

According to the meeting summary, opponents of the resolution were skeptical about what gains will be had from it. Board Chairman Warren Judge said it will not set an example while vice chairman Allen Burris said it "penalizes those that are here legally and are trying hard to get things straight."

Dorothy Toolan, Dare County public information officer, said Dare's Hispanic population has increased from 2.2 percent of the total population in 2000 to 3.3 percent in 2006.

Surrounding counties have not indicated they will pass similar resolutions.

"Pasquotank County has never considered such a resolution," said Randy Keaton, Pasquotank County manager. "We just never talked about it before."

Dan Scanlon, Currituck County manager, said Currituck commissioners haven't explored making English an official language either.

"No one's brought that up in the past," he said.

Despite a recent construction-related drop-off, Scanlon said Currituck's Hispanic population has grown in recent years. While he said it is not inconceivable for commissioners to consider an English language policy, he said it is not something they are even mentioning right now.

Randell Woodruff, Camden County manager, said he understands why Dare County took up the resolution, but noted that Camden commissioners have had other issues to consider, such as the landfill and outlying landing field.

"We haven't even thought of that," he said of the English resolution.

Woodruff said Camden's Hispanic population is also fairly small.