Moffat County approves shared school resource deputy funded 75% by county, 25% by district

The Moffat County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 approved creation of a new full-time school resource deputy position to be housed in the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chip McIntyre and Undersheriff Buesinger told commissioners the position would be paid at the patrol deputy rate, with the school district covering 25% of salary and fringe and the county covering 75%. McIntyre said the step‑6 patrol deputy salary is $64,625.60 and, with retirement and benefits, the annual cost is $104,080.65. He said the school district’s share would be about $26,020.16 and the county’s obligation about $78,060.49, based on finance department calculations.

The sheriff said the city had asked the county to partially fund one of the city’s school resource officers; he recommended a deputy housed in the sheriff’s office instead so the county could deploy the position in the summer and on patrol outside the school year. McIntyre said the deputy’s primary focus would be Craig High School and the middle school but that the deputy would also visit elementary schools.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether grant funding was available. McIntyre replied that grants exist but typically require an existing position before application.

A commissioner moved and a second followed; the board voted in favor. The motion passed with all commissioners voting aye.

The sheriff’s office will advertise the position and screen applicants; the undersheriff said a job description has been provided to human resources. McIntyre said training requests such as DARE certification could be covered by the school district if the district requests it.