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Commissioners approve SRO position and vehicle lease from Thomas Academy funds amid cost questions
Summary
The board approved allocating Thomas Academy funds to create an SRO position and cover a vehicle lease; commissioners debated lease and line‑item costs (gas, uniforms) and County staff said 18 SRO positions are funded countywide.
Sheriff's staff requested a budget amendment to allocate Thomas Academy funds for a new school resource officer (SRO) position and a vehicle lease. The request would increase the sheriff's full‑time positions from 91 to 92 and add lease funding for the vehicle.
Commissioners questioned the budget math and asked whether the listed $7,400 for a car lease covered ongoing operating expenses (gas, supplies, uniforms). Mr. Creech of the sheriff's office clarified there are 18 funded SRO positions and explained that some uniform funds were applied to the leasing line. After discussion, commissioners moved, seconded and approved the budget amendment and requisitions by voice vote.
"We charge every school the same amount of money," Mr. Creech said, noting consistency across districts; commissioners acknowledged the cost pressures and asked staff to review fee structures and revenue sources to avoid drawing down fund balance further.
