Lexington County’s committee approved a staff recommendation to accept $65,997 in state School Resource Officer (SRO) funds so the sheriff’s department can assume responsibility for providing an SRO at the Swansea Freshman Academy (ninth grade only) for the remainder of the school year.

County staff said the sheriff’s office had provided SROs for years, until the Town of Swansea Police Department took over the program for fiscal year 2023–24 and the following year. Two months into the current school year, district and town officials told the sheriff’s office they might not be able to continue, prompting the county and the Department of Public Safety to work on transferring the approved grant funds to the sheriff’s department.

Captain Marshall told the committee the county expects to accept the $65,997 in state SRO funds with no required cash match. The county will cover any costs exceeding the grant with a 75/25 expectation (county responsible for 25 percent of costs above the award). Staff said they do not anticipate a significant out‑of‑pocket cost for the county this year given the timing and amount.

Committee members also confirmed that vehicles purchased with the grant would be transferred to the county; county staff will coordinate disposal or return of proceeds per grant rules.

A motion to accept the SRO grant passed. The county will coordinate with the Department of Public Safety to transfer vehicles and funds and to ensure the SRO position is filled.

Why it matters: The move keeps an SRO in the Swansea Freshman Academy this school year, maintaining school safety coverage and preserving a state grant award already approved for the program.

What’s next: County and DPS staff will finalize fund and vehicle transfers and make any necessary personnel or budget adjustments.