SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve an agreement between the City of Clearwater and the School Board of Pinellas County, Florida providing for the continuation of the School Resource Officer program at Clearwater High School, Countryside High School and Oak Grove Middle School for a one-year period, commencing July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Under the terms of the one-year agreement between the School Board of Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater, the City will provide law enforcement and related services to Clearwater High School, Countryside High School and Oak Grove Middle School during the regular school year. The assigned officers (1 per school) will provide instruction in law education, will serve as resource persons, conduct investigations, provide security and maintain the peace, make arrests and provide support services as necessary.
The annual cost of salaries and benefits of three officers over the one-year period will be $298,773. Total annual reimbursement from the School Board will be $57,944.64 for each officer, for a total reimbursement of $173,833.92, reflecting a 3% increase in reimbursement to the City for SRO services during the 2017/2018 contract period. Additional funding needed will be provided by a transfer of Florida Contraband Forfeiture Fund revenues.
The cost incurred by the Police Department is offset by the benefit of the program to the community and the Police Department. The Police Department has maintained a good working relationship with the School Board. School Resource Officers have been assigned to Clearwater High School since January 1, 1985 and Countryside High School since January 1, 1986 and Oak Grove Middle School since August 27, 2007.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A first quarter budget amendment will increase special project 181-99264, School Resource Officers by $173,833.92 in reimbursement revenues to recognize Pinellas County’s portion of funding. An amendment will also transfer $124,939 in fine revenue from special program 181-99330, Florida Contraband Forfeiture Fund, to 181-99264, School Resource Officers to fund the balance needed for the year.