Lennox council authorizes COPS grant application and commits to SRO funding with school MOU

The Lennox City Council voted to authorize staff to submit a 2026 Department of Justice COPS hiring grant application and approved related agreements tying a School Resource Officer (SRO) position to the award.

Staff described the grant as funding for an SRO shared with the school district. "This will fund us $225,000 over the next 3 years," said Nate, city staff, while answering questions about scope and timing. At other points staff described the program cap differently, saying it could provide "up to $125,000 over the course of 3 years," a discrepancy council members flagged during discussion.

Council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the school district that allocates ongoing costs: the city would hire and supervise the SRO and provide 40% of salary, vehicle, supplies and equipment; the school would provide 60% of funding and secure workspace. Council then passed resolution 2026-07-13-01, which commits the city to at least one year of funding after the grant ends. Staff estimated a year-four total cost of about $91,000, of which the city’s 40% share would be roughly $36,000.

Supporters said the arrangement lets the city compete for federal support while coordinating with the district. Council members asked detailed questions about program caps and whether hiring the SRO is contingent on the grant or on existing staffing; staff said the city will proceed with budget planning tied to the grant timeline and noted letters of support are pending.

The motion to authorize the grant application and the subsequent MOU and retention-resolution votes passed by voice vote.