Clearlake council approves MOU to fund two full‑time school resource officers

The Clearlake City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Kenocta Unified School District on the placement and funding of two full‑time school resource officers in the district's schools.

Chief Hobbs of the Clearlake Police Department presented the memorandum to the council, saying, “The Kenocta Unified School District has 9 schools in Clearlake, Clear Lake Oaks, and Lower Lake.” He told the council the proposal would place two officers in the district full time and that the district would pay $160,992.62 per officer — a total of just under $322,000 per year — to cover salary, benefits, overtime, training and vehicle costs. Hobbs said the department’s current staffing allows two officers to be assigned to the SRO positions.

The superintendent of Kenocta Unified School District submitted a written letter of support, which was read into the record. In that letter, Dr. Becky Sloto wrote that the district “express[es] our strong support for the proposed memorandum of understanding between the city of Clearlake and KUSD for the continued partnership and placement of a school resource officer within our schools,” and praised the partnership for building “positive relationships between students and law enforcement.”

Resident Bruno Sabatier supported the expansion but urged clarity about jurisdictional boundaries outside school campuses, saying past incidents near Lower Lake High School raised questions about which agency responds to non‑school events. Sabatier asked the council to ensure the MOU does not create confusion about whether Clearlake Police Department or the county sheriff has primary jurisdiction for incidents outside school property.

After public comment, Vice Mayor Slotin moved to approve the MOU and to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; Council Member Wilson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The agreement does not change other agencies’ legal jurisdictions. Chief Hobbs said the SRO program aims to increase visibility on campuses, provide continuity when one officer is unavailable and allow proactive engagement on topics such as anti‑bullying and drug education. The council did not identify additional funding obligations for the city beyond administrative or incidental overtime recovery described in the staff report.

The council vote authorizes the city manager to execute the MOU and proceed with the two full‑time SRO assignments under the terms presented.