Callahan County approves SRO memorandum with Baird ISD after debate over costs, vehicles and liability

The Callahan County Commissioners Court voted to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Baird and Baird Independent School District to place a school resource officer on Baird campuses, a step supporters said would speed responses to campus incidents and provide countywide benefits despite objections about costs and liability.

Supporters framed the MOU as a public-safety measure. Chad, the official who presented the agreement, told commissioners that in a recent incident a student brought a large knife onto campus and that it took about an hour to locate and take the student into custody. "Had we had an SRO, it wouldn't have taken this long to get this kiddo," Chad said, arguing an on-site officer reduces response time and serves as a visible deterrent.

Opponents and some commissioners pressed the presenters on money and logistics. Commissioners questioned whether assigning a county patrol vehicle for the SRO to take home would amount to a county subsidy for one district, how mileage and overtime would be charged, and whether the county would have to provide equivalent support to other schools. One commissioner said the county must consider retention and vehicle wear; another asked whether smaller districts would be unfairly disadvantaged. A school representative described why the district preferred contracting with the sheriff's office rather than hiring private security, citing training, evidence handling and record-keeping burdens the district sought to avoid.

The MOU, as presented, includes a clause that the city/school will be responsible for overtime related to after-school events (football, basketball, track and similar extracurricular activities). Chad also said the county would assign an older vehicle to the SRO post to reduce impact on newer patrol units and that departmental policies and a procedures manual would govern SRO conduct.

Speakers referenced state school safety funding during debate. One participant described the state formula as a per-campus allotment plus $9 per student and said the county received about $13,600 this year under that formula; whether that amount will increase depends on future legislative action. Supporters said the SRO could reduce county overtime expenses and add training capacity, including potential cross-training for fire-investigation duties.

The motion to approve the MOU was made by Commissioner McGowan and seconded by Commissioner Windham. The judge announced that two commissioners opposed the motion; the motion nevertheless passed. The MOU document includes a county judge signature block for final approval and implementation steps were discussed but not detailed in the meeting record.

The county will now coordinate next steps for implementing the SRO assignment, including vehicle assignment, overtime handling and compliance with departmental policies.

The court adjourned the session later in the meeting; no further action on the MOU was recorded in today’s minutes.