Highland council OKs intergovernmental agreement to provide School Resource Officer at St. Paul Catholic School

The Highland City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 3, 2025, to approve an intergovernmental agreement with St. Paul Catholic School to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO). The agreement, adopted as Bill #25-123/Ordinance #3413, allocates 75% of the officer’s assigned time and associated cost to the school and 25% to the city.

During the public forum, resident Brian Rasmussen asked for clarification and voiced concern that the proposal would use "public funds for a private school." City Manager Conrad said the council would address the item later in the meeting. At the time of the ordinance discussion, Conrad explained the typical funding formula used in agreements with St. Paul and HCUSD 5: because the officer spends most of the school year at the school, the split reflects roughly nine months of school time (school pays 75%); the city retains the officer 25% of the time for vacations, events and other duties.

Mayor Kevin Hemann defended the council's action on community-safety grounds, saying, "it is our job is to protect everyone, regardless of religious affiliation." City Attorney Mike McGinley advised the council that approving this intergovernmental agreement is within the city's purview. Councilwoman Bellm moved adoption of Bill #25-123 and Councilman Napper seconded; the ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm and Napper voting aye.

The ordinance establishes the financial and scheduling framework for the SRO assignment; the minutes indicate staff will finalize the intergovernmental agreement and schedule the SRO assignment as an implementation step. The council did not amend the funding formula during the meeting.

Next steps include finalizing the intergovernmental agreement and administrative scheduling to place the officer under the agreed split.