Council adds two SROs to FY27 budget after residents raise school-safety concerns

A resident raised school-safety concerns during the Sept. 10 public hearing, prompting council and police staff to clarify current coverage and add two school resource officers to the FY27 budget.

Jim Hoelcher (District 3) told the council that his grandchildren attend school in Uvalde and cited that community's shooting when urging the city to confirm coverage and consider additional resources. He said, "my grandchildren go to Uvalde. And they had school shooting there… I just think it's a resource issue," and urged coordination with the school district.

The police chief responded that the city's contract with the school district has two components: dedicated SROs at certain campuses and roving officers paid by the district to provide coverage where a full-time SRO is not assigned. The chief said rovers help maintain coverage and estimated the district typically hires about five rovers to cover those needs. A council member noted that two SROs on the current list were newly added to the scenario 1 budget, and the council agreed to include those positions in the FY27 budget.

The budget and ordinance actions approved on first reading incorporate the added SRO positions; the council will consider final adoption on Sept. 14.