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Hartsville separates SRO costs; city reports school pays $365,000 while SRO expense totals higher
Summary
City budget staff removed school resource officer (SRO) costs into a dedicated department for transparency, reporting that the school district will contribute about $365,000 while the city’s SRO expenses excluding capital were shown at about $562,000; council discussed grant opportunities and vehicle capital needs.
City staff told council they split school resource officer (SRO) costs into a separate accounting line to make the program’s cost and revenue more transparent.
Staff presented that the school district is budgeted to contribute about $365,000 toward SROs this year while the city showed SRO expenses (excluding capital purchases) of roughly $562,000. Staff and police leaders said the SRO arrangement now covers the school year for more of the calendar (staff estimated 90%–95% utilization) and that the district historically has not funded equipment or vehicles. Council and police discussed continuing negotiations with the school district over cost-sharing and the potential to pursue grant funding for equipment and vehicles.
On capital, staff reiterated the request for six new police vehicles as part of the general capital-lease package and noted an appropriations grant from Representative Russell Fry’s office could add additional cars if awarded. Chief-level remarks stressed the city’s preference to keep SROs as city employees so officers are available as city policing resources when schools are not in session.
Next steps: Staff will continue conversations with the school district about cost-sharing and pursue grant opportunities for vehicle equipment; any formal change to contributions or staffing will be returned to council for approval.
