Phoenix‑Talent school officials thank council for proposed SRO exemption but ask for clarity on contract timing

Representatives from Phoenix‑Talent Schools addressed the council during public testimony to thank staff for an SRO-related exemption in the proposed ordinance but to ask for clarity about how the exemption would operate in the absence of a written SRO contract.

Dawn Watson, a long‑time Phoenix‑Talent School Board member, said the exemption language appeared to apply only "when there's a contract," and that the school district currently does not have an SRO contract with the city: "My concern is I don't know when the billing cycle is going to be. When we don't have contracts...there's gaps," she told council and asked staff to address potential loopholes. Brent Berry, representing Phoenix‑Talent Schools, thanked the council for working with the district and said the timing and formula in the ordinance still needed clarification if the district could be responsible for fees when no contract exists.

During deliberations staff acknowledged the concern and said the proposed ordinance in the packet exempts the school district but noted that an exemption could be revisited if circumstances change or if a contract is later executed. Council members asked staff to ensure implementation steps and any exemptions are clearly documented to avoid surprises for the district and to confirm that, if an exemption lapses, the city has a clear billing policy.