Lennox council discusses School Resource Officer agreement; seeks guidance on cost-sharing and timing

City staff presented a draft School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement between the City of Lennox and Lennox School District, based on a model used in Madison. The matter was presented for guidance and discussion rather than formal action.

Nate said he and Chief Erickson met with Superintendent Shaw and included Madison's agreement in council packets; staff is seeking council guidance before returning a finalized agreement to the school district. The draft anticipates starting the SRO position after the school's budget year begins—targeting a July 1 start aligned with FY27.

Council discussed the program's logistics and cost-sharing. Staff said equipment costs would be shared (transcript language referenced splits for vehicle/equipment), payroll would be managed by the city with periodic reimbursement from the school district, and the program as drafted limits the SRO's primary duties to the school day (extracurricular events would be handled on a case-by-case basis). Chief Erickson noted overtime is monitored by supervisory staff and would be tracked and justified in time cards; small departments generally have limited ability to "comp" overtime in lieu of pay.

Council members described the agreement language as clear and called the partnership balanced, with shared authority and accountability. No motion or vote occurred; staff will continue to negotiate details with the school district and return with a recommended agreement for future action.

Next steps: Staff will refine cost and payroll logistics and continue discussions with the school district; council did not take formal action tonight.