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Commissioners table SRO memorandum of understanding for Baird-Barrett ISD; seek overtime language
Summary
The court tabled a memorandum of understanding to place a school resource officer at Barrett ISD in Baird, asking for explicit language that the county will not be responsible for overtime or extra-duty costs.
Calhoun County Commissioners Court on Feb. 24 tabled consideration of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Calhoun County, the city of Baird and Barrett Independent School District to fund a school resource officer (SRO) at the Baird campus.
Sheriff Chad presented the proposed MOU and said the agreement was intended to help the school comply with recent state requirements while keeping county costs limited. The sheriff cited Senate Bill 22 and House Bill 3 and referenced section 37.0814 of the Education Code when summarizing the state's guidance on school security officers.
During an extended discussion, the sheriff described operational and funding details: the MOU lists a term that begins Sept. 1, 2025, and ends Aug. 30, 2026; the sheriff said a fully loaded full-time officer would cost roughly $72,000–$73,000 annually, and the proposed agreement includes a small contingency (about $5,000) for overtime or travel related to child-forensic interviews and similar investigations. The sheriff said the school would pay a portion of the officer's cost and the city would contribute toward the remainder; he said the county would provide a patrol vehicle from its existing fleet rather than purchase a new car.
Several commissioners and city representatives requested explicit MOU language to make clear the county is not liable for overtime or extra-duty pay tied to school events or off-campus travel. The sheriff said some overtime is unavoidable when the SRO must accompany a child to a forensic interview or respond to on-campus incidents that require extended attention; he framed the contingency as intended to cover those instances.
Commissioner Clark moved to table the MOU so the agreement can be adjusted and returned to the city and school for reapproval with clarified language; Commissioner Windham seconded. The court voted to table the item unanimously.
The sheriff said he will continue recruiting for the SRO position, noting the county is short one patrol deputy. Commissioners praised the sheriff's work on funding but said the MOU needs the overtime clarification before the court approves it.
Votes at a glance - Motion to table consideration of the SRO MOU — Mover: Commissioner Clark; Second: Commissioner Windham; Outcome: Tabled (voice vote, no opposition).
