In a recent government meeting, Waukegan officials discussed a critical agreement regarding the provision of school resource officers (SROs) to District 60. The city has proposed a contract to supply two SROs for the current school year, with a negotiated cost of $260,000, significantly lower than the initial estimate of $350,000.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing financial negotiations between the city and the school district, with the latter initially rejecting a $295,000 offer due to budget constraints. After further deliberation, the city reduced its offer to $260,000, which the mayor emphasized was a substantial discount considering the city's actual costs, including salaries, pensions, and health care for the officers.

Several council members expressed urgency in finalizing the agreement, citing the importance of student safety amid rising concerns about school security. Alderman Turner advocated for accepting the school district's counteroffer of $220,000 to expedite the deployment of SROs, emphasizing the immediate need for security personnel in schools.

However, some council members raised concerns about the fairness of subsidizing the police pension costs through this agreement, particularly for residents who do not have children in the Waukegan school system. They argued that the school district, which operates on a substantial budget, should bear a more equitable share of the costs associated with SROs.

The mayor reiterated the city's financial challenges, including rising insurance and training costs, and stressed the necessity of maintaining a balance between providing adequate school security and managing the city's budget. The meeting concluded with a call for a vote on the proposed agreement, reflecting a consensus on the need for SROs while navigating the complexities of funding and budgetary responsibilities.