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Waukegan approves intergovernmental agreements for school resource officers and emergency services; aldermen raise liability and cost questions
Summary
Council approved intergovernmental agreements with Waukegan Community School District 60 for school resource officers and emergency response services; discussion centered on the officer-cost methodology (approximately $74,000 per officer reported) and liability concerns.
Waukegan aldermen on Aug. 3 voted to approve intergovernmental agreements with Waukegan Community School District 60 that provide for school resource officers and emergency response services. The agreements were the subject of extended council discussion about costs and liability.
Alderman Turner said he wanted cost details included in the motion and staff and councilors discussed a commonly cited figure of $74,000 per officer — a calculation described as roughly eight months of salary excluding benefits and training. "I think it's $74,000 a year," an alderman said; police staff confirmed the methodology and said the city is reimbursed by the district and invoices monthly.
Other members, including Alderman Guzman, said liability concerns influenced their votes; Guzman said he voted no on a related item because of the potential legal exposure and suggested the city remain the secondary, not primary, provider for school security. The council nonetheless adopted the agreements, with majority support; the record shows some aldermen voting No.
