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Hot Springs previews renewed school resource officer agreement with district covering 75% of nine-month salary
Summary
City staff previewed a memorandum of agreement that would continue the school resource officer (SRO) program with the Hot Springs School District; the district would pay 75% of nine months of the officer's salary, currently $56,890. No formal vote was taken at the Aug. 12 meeting; the item is scheduled for the Aug. 19 meeting.
The City of Hot Springs on Aug. 12 previewed a memorandum of agreement with the Hot Springs School District to continue the school resource officer program, with the district covering 75% of nine months of the officer’s salary, a figure currently listed as $56,890.
The agreement was described by Chief of Police Billy Harborton as a long-standing program that “has been an effective and beneficial tool and provides enhanced security and well-being for students and teachers at the Hot Springs School District.” He said the SRO performs crime-prevention duties and serves as a mentor and resource for students, teachers and administrators.
City Manager Bill Burrow opened the consent-agenda item and noted the contract has existed for more than 20 years. Harborton told the board the “75% of nine months” contribution has been the arrangement “all along” and that, under the proposal discussed, there is no additional financial impact to the city because the cost is included in the annual budget.
No formal motion or vote was recorded during the Aug. 12 meeting; staff presented the item for action at the board’s Aug. 19 meeting. The contract will be considered as resolution r25 1 53 at that public meeting.
Background: the SRO position combines law-enforcement presence with mentorship and school support functions, according to Harborton. The city manager and chief framed the proposal as a continuation, not a new program, and said the district’s share, as presented, maintains the existing cost split.
The board did not take final action on Aug. 12; the matter was scheduled for the Aug. 19 consent agenda for formal consideration.
