Port St. Lucie City Council voted on Aug. 4 to approve modifications and a new agreement to provide school resource officers (SROs) at Somerset Academy Saint Lucie, Somerset College Preparatory Academy, and the new Somerset Academy Bethany campus. The motion passed after debate about reimbursement levels, the timing of agenda materials and whether taxpayers are being made whole for SRO costs.

City staff presented a memo and draft agreements in the council packet and said the proposed arrangements mirror past practice for the two previously served Somerset campuses and would add a new SRO at the Bethany campus. Staff and police department representatives were available to answer questions; Chief Nimzick and school principals were present in the meeting room.

Councilwoman Morgan raised procedural objections, saying the agenda packet and staff memo arrived late (the packet was issued after 6 p.m. on Wednesday and a follow‑up memo at 5:23 p.m. on Friday), leaving insufficient time to evaluate reimbursement levels and alternatives. Morgan asked whether the city is "made whole" under the proposed contracts; staff said the school contributions would cover about 50% of the officer cost in the proposed agreements, noting that this is consistent with how the county had reimbursed for SROs historically.

Police staff estimated a range for the total annual cost of an SRO (salary, benefits and overhead) around $100,000–$150,000 depending on years of service; staff said the contracts under discussion propose school contributions of roughly $70,000 per officer in some instances. Council members and staff also discussed other revenue sources commonly used in the sector — state Safe Schools funds and school‑district security funding — and noted those streams can offset local costs, but staff said the precise offsets and audit records vary and are public record.

Several council members argued that SROs provide safety and intangible benefits — relationship building with students, on‑site presence and investigative advantages — and said they did not want to create gaps in school security while negotiations about broader cost sharing continue. Councilwoman Morgan voiced concern about asking taxpayers to cover the difference if school and state reimbursements fall short and requested clearer comparison figures and follow‑up about any county or sheriff reimbursements going forward.

After discussion the council moved and seconded approval. The roll call on the motion recorded four votes in favor and one opposed; the meeting record shows the motion carried. Staff said final contract language and any audit provisions would be administered through the police department and city legal review.

What to expect next: staff will execute the approved agreements and continue discussions with the sheriff’s office and school district about funding arrangements and possible reimbursements. Council members requested clearer, earlier documentation and an itemized cost and reimbursement summary in future contract packets.