Council to consider funding SRO as Hot Springs School reviews budget cuts

Councilors spent an extended segment weighing whether the city should commit to funding part of the school resource officer (SRO) after Hot Springs School District indicated the position is on a list for potential budget cuts.

Police Chief Ross Norton and other supporters described the officer’s activities and effect in the schools. Chief Norton said the officer has been involved in a large volume of school calls and disciplinary work: "I want to say it's right around 1,600 calls for service he's generated in those four years in the school," he told the council, adding that the superintendent "has glowing reviews" for the program.

A community member and councilors described examples of the SRO’s daily work — truancy follow‑up, safety and disciplinary coordination, and visible presence during school and city events. One longtime resident noted that a board on the officer’s wall displayed weapons the officer had collected in early years, underscoring safety concerns the position addresses.

School staff informed the city the district needs clarity while it finalizes budget decisions. Council members said the city cannot unilaterally prevent the school from cutting the position, but several councilors signaled support for placing a formal item on the next agenda to pledge the city would be willing to continue the program while the school’s portion remains set at $47,463 for the coming year.

Councilors stressed budget realities: if the city agrees to keep the SRO at that level it will likely require trimming other municipal spending. No binding city appropriation was made during the meeting; the council asked staff to put a formal funding item on a future agenda to give the school a clearer picture for its budget deliberations.