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Lockhart City Council approves interlocal SRO agreement with LISD and temporary extra assignment pay funded by school district
Summary
Council approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with Lockhart Independent School District for two school resource officers for the 2025–26 year and amended city pay policy to accept an additional $1,000 monthly SRO stipend funded by LISD through May 22, 2026.
The Lockhart City Council voted to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement with Lockhart Independent School District to continue placement of school resource officers (SROs) at LISD campuses for the 2025–26 school year, and to authorize a temporary increase in SRO assignment pay funded by the district.
Police Chief Gary Williamson told the council the agreement is made pursuant to Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code and outlines LISD’s reimbursement to the city for a portion of officer salary and benefits, plus costs for two fully equipped patrol vehicles, uniforms, equipment and training. Chief Williamson said the 2025–26 agreement provides two SROs rather than three because of current police staffing issues; constables are filling gaps on some campuses for now.
The memorandum of understanding also continues a temporary $1,000 monthly SRO special-assignment stipend — in addition to the city’s standard $200 monthly assignment pay — paid by LISD from August 25, 2025, through May 22, 2026. Council agenda materials and staff noted the additional stipend will be funded by LISD and therefore should not have a financial impact on the city’s budget.
Council members discussed staffing and grants. Chief Williamson said the department had not pursued certain federal grant options (he referenced the COPS program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance) for SRO salaries recently and that those grants typically start by reimbursing salaries and then taper, which can make long-term staffing sustainability a local responsibility. Councilmember comments urged continued exploration of grant opportunities while acknowledging the city’s immediate staffing challenges.
The council approved the interlocal agreement and the ordinance amendment to authorize the temporary assignment pay; the staff presentation stated LISD had already approved the district’s portion of the agreement. The vote passed by council voice vote as part of the meeting consent/regular agenda and was recorded as 7–0 on the motion for approval.
