During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the funding of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Hillsdale. The discussion centered around an agreement stipulating that the Board of Education would contribute only $40,000 towards the SRO's compensation, leaving the remaining costs to be covered by local taxpayers.

Participants highlighted that the current financial commitment from the Board of Education is inadequate, especially considering the rising costs associated with hiring experienced officers. An officer with approximately five years of experience commands a salary of around $91,000, which, when benefits are included, totals approximately $127,000 for a full year. This translates to a taxpayer obligation of about $105,000 to $110,000 for the 10-month school year, indicating a significant shortfall in funding from the Board of Education.

Critics of the current funding model argued that the Board's reluctance to increase its contribution effectively places an unfair burden on Hillsdale taxpayers. They emphasized that the SRO position is vital for community safety and should be funded more equitably across the regional school district, rather than relying heavily on one borough's taxpayers.

Despite these concerns, some officials expressed their support for the resolution to maintain the SRO position, underscoring its importance while simultaneously condemning the Board of Education for its lack of financial commitment over the past decade. The sentiment was clear: a more collaborative approach to funding is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of students without disproportionately impacting local taxpayers.