Council advances plan to add two sworn officers, including a Wellington school resource officer
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Summary
Council moved Ordinance 21-2025 forward to a second reading to add two sworn police positions, one funded by a Wellington School agreement that will reimburse up to $135,000 annually; no final vote recorded June 9.
Upper Arlington City Council advanced a personnel change on June 9 that would add two sworn police positions to the authorized staffing table, including a school resource officer (SRO) for Wellington School funded by that school’s reimbursement agreement.
The ordinance (21-2025) was moved up on the agenda and presented as an addition to the 2025–26 employee-strength table. According to staff, Wellington will pay the officer’s salary and training costs up to $135,000 annually; the agreement includes an annual review around Jan. 1 so either party may choose not to continue the arrangement for the next school year. The city will also maintain a 24-month “hire ahead” provision for a DEA-related specialty position to prepare for an anticipated retirement.
Why it matters: SROs provide in-school policing and safety-support duties; the Wellington agreement is structured as a cost-reimbursement arrangement so the city’s out-of-pocket costs are limited. Council did not adopt the ordinance June 9; staff said the item will return for a second reading on June 16.
Quotes and specifics: "Wellington will pay the salary of that officer plus any training costs for an amount not to exceed $135,000," a staff presenter said. Council members asked for clarification that the reimbursement amount includes benefits, and staff confirmed benefits are included within the $135,000 cap.
Next steps: Ordinance 21-2025 will return for a second reading and vote on June 16.