On Dec. 8 the Nash County Board of Commissioners voted to fund five additional full‑time school resource officers (SROs), responding to a request from Nash County Schools that the county cover a roughly $500,000 funding gap to ensure at least one full-time SRO is assigned to each elementary school.

Dr. Steve Ellis told the board the request would ensure “safety, security and support” for students and staff and described the ask as a $500,000 line item to complete SRO coverage at the elementary level. Victor Ward, the school system’s executive director of strategic planning and communication, was present to answer technical questions.

Commissioners debated whether the agenda listing (the item appeared as information-only on the packet) and the absence of detailed county cost estimates or vehicle and uniform needs precluded immediate action. Commissioner Robbie Davis asked whether it was procedurally proper to vote on an information item and sought more detailed budget numbers. County counsel and other commissioners said a properly made and seconded motion is in order even if final numbers are subject to later specification.

“While I support the idea of adding the SROs, likewise, I would like the detailed information,” one commissioner said, noting the county would need clarity on long-term costs before committing to an ongoing line item.

After motion, second and discussion, the board approved the request by voice and show-of-hands vote. Staff and the school system must follow up with specific budget detail, including anticipated recurring costs and requirements for uniforms and vehicles that the sheriff’s office would provide.

What comes next: County staff and school officials will prepare detailed budget language and implementation steps to identify recurring funding sources, vehicle and uniform needs from the sheriff’s office, and any interagency memoranda of understanding necessary to operationalize the coverage.