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Police and fire budgets trim some operations; council reviews SRO reimbursements and new community safety programs
Summary
Chiefs presented public safety budgets showing reduced net police operations after reimbursements, SRO funding arrangements with Fort Mill School District and state, new Project Lifesaver wearable trackers and police boat and EMS cost increases driven by fuel and supplies.
Police and fire chiefs presented department budgets and answered council questions about reimbursements, equipment and community programs.
Police Chief Crosby said the department shows a significant decrease in net operational request when reimbursements for school resource officers are considered; he explained two elementary SROs are 100% state funded and the middle school SRO is reimbursed at 60% by Fort Mill School District, with a new class‑3 officer arrangement that covered salary and equipment in year one. Chief Crosby also detailed boat operation costs (fuel, marina slip, canopy and equipment) and a proposed Project Lifesaver program to offer wearable tracking bands for vulnerable residents.
Fire Chief Hasty explained travel and training increases related to staff development and apprenticeship programs, and noted EMS supply costs (gloves, oxygen, AED batteries) have risen significantly; fuel price volatility also raised operational costs for standby and marine responses.
Why it matters: reimbursement arrangements materially alter net department costs and affect staffing and equipment decisions. Council asked for granular breakdowns and vendor quotes for boat and Project Lifesaver equipment and for confirmation of reimbursement timing from the school district and state.
