In a recent work session, the Idaho Falls City Council discussed the funding and staffing of school resource officers (SROs) in local schools, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the city and the school district. The council is considering a proposal where the school district would cover 70% of the costs associated with hiring an SRO, which is expected to have a neutral financial impact in the first year. This arrangement would allow the city to assign a more senior officer to the school while hiring a new officer at a lower salary.

Council members expressed concerns about the funding structure, particularly why some schools receive full funding while others do not. The discussion revealed that the funding model varies, with some schools only funded for nine months of the year, leaving the city to cover costs during the summer months. The council is exploring the possibility of renegotiating with the school district to secure full funding for the SRO position, which would alleviate some financial burdens on the city.

Another significant topic was the anticipated loss of a grant for a victim's advocate position, which could impact the city’s budget by over $130,000 next year. Council members acknowledged the importance of the victim's advocate role but also emphasized the need to balance this with the costs of maintaining school safety through SROs.

The council agreed to keep the funding for the SRO position in the budget while pursuing negotiations with the school district for increased financial support. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring safety in schools while managing budgetary constraints.

In addition to the discussions on school safety, the council briefly touched on the status of a shooting range project, which had been approved contingent on the closure of certain bond funds. The council is awaiting the finalization of these funds to proceed with the project.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and support local schools while navigating financial challenges. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's approach to public safety and education in the coming years.