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Council weighs options and costs for school crossing guards amid PBSO contract uncertainty
Summary
Staff briefed council on school crossing guard coverage and potential costs after PBSO indicated some guards may no longer be covered under prior arrangements; a piggyback contract estimate shows roughly $31/hour per guard (3'4 hours/day) and annual costs in the $70,000'$80,000 range. Council asked staff to verify who has historically funded guards and return in July with firm figures.
Town staff updated the council about ongoing discussions with the sheriff's office and the funding implications of school crossing guard coverage.
Staff said the town is still researching whether it has an obligation to provide crossing guards for particular pedestrian crossings near Loxahatchee Groves Elementary and whether historical payments were covered by the county or by prior contractual arrangements with PBSO. Using a piggyback procurement option, staff estimated a contract rate of about $31 per hour per guard for 3'4 hours per day, producing a rough annual estimate in the range of $70,000'$80,000 if the town were to assume full responsibility for assigned crossings.
Councilors asked staff to verify who paid for the crossing guards prior to incorporation and whether the sheriff's office is reducing patrol/guard services as part of current contract disputes. Some council members shared field observations that the number of guards on duty varies and asked staff to gather a usage profile (how many students actually cross at each location) and the sheriff's data on crash and enforcement trends. Public commenters who monitored the school observed three crossing guards on site during sample checks and asked why the town would pay for guards on school district property.
Staff will continue discussions with PBSO, collect data on historical funding and current crossing usage, and return to council in July with a recommendation and firmer cost estimates.
