Sheriff says MSD will fund School Resource Officer; council asks to see contract

Sheriff Tim Troyer told the Steuben County Council on Jan. 13 that the MSD School Corporation is funding a School Resource Officer (SRO) and that the sheriff’s office will manage the officer from a law-enforcement perspective.

"Basically the school board is receiving a grant that will pay for the funding aspects of the position and they are asking Troyer to manage the person hired for the position from a law enforcement perspective," Troyer said, adding, "The School Corporation is paying the bill." He described the person to be hired as an experienced deputy and said the school will pay for the required SRO training and some equipment; the handgun was purchased by the sheriff from the handgun permit fund and the vehicle used is from the sheriff fleet with the school agreeing to pay fuel and maintenance.

Council President Richard Shipe said he had requested a copy of the contract from the MSD School System; Troyer said he would be willing to show the contract to public officials but cautioned about broader public release. Council members said they wanted the contract provided to the commissioners, the commissioners’ attorney and the county council prior to any public release to ensure liability exposures were clear.

Several council members welcomed the program. Jim Getz said the benefits to children and citizens outweigh minimal county expense. Ruth Beer said she learned of the arrangement only through news coverage and appreciated Troyer’s explanation.

The council did not take formal action on the contract at this meeting; members requested access to the contract for review.