The Marion County Board of County Commissioners convened on July 23, 2025, for the third day of their budget workshop, focusing on the funding and management of School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools. The discussions highlighted the financial responsibilities shared between the county and the school board regarding the employment of SROs, particularly in light of recent legislative changes.

The meeting began with a review of the current funding structure for SROs, where it was noted that private schools are now required to cover the full costs of hiring SROs. In contrast, public schools pay half the salary of a deputy, which is set at approximately $75,000. The sheriff emphasized that this arrangement aims to balance costs between the county and the school board, arguing that neither entity should bear the entire financial burden.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the fairness of the current funding model, suggesting that the school board has multiple revenue sources, including a half-penny sales tax and impact fees, which could be utilized to cover SRO costs. The sentiment was that the county should not be responsible for funding these positions when the school board has the means to do so.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the potential establishment of a separate police department for schools. The sheriff firmly opposed this idea, citing concerns over accountability and the effectiveness of having multiple law enforcement entities involved in school safety. He referenced past incidents, such as the tragedy in Broward County, to illustrate the risks of fragmented oversight.

The commissioners agreed that the county should not continue to subsidize the salaries of SROs without a more equitable arrangement. They called for future negotiations with the school board to ensure that the financial responsibilities are shared more appropriately, emphasizing that the safety of students is paramount but should not come at an undue cost to county taxpayers.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for a reevaluation of the funding mechanisms for SROs, with a clear call for the school board to take on a larger share of the financial responsibility. The commissioners plan to engage in further discussions with school board representatives to address these concerns and seek a more sustainable solution moving forward.