Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer (SRO) Program with the Westminster School District.
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Karla Santillan, Business Services Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer Program with the Westminster School District to provide two additional full-time School Resource Officer with a total cost of $406,656 for 12 months of service; and
B. Approve a revenue budget increase of $406,656 for 12 months of SRO services in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to General Police - Reimbursements; and expenditure budget increase of $406,656 to General Police - Permanent Wages to be included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget; and
C. Authorize the addition of two full-time police officers to Police Department staffing; and
D. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
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BACKGROUND
On March 26, 2025, the City Council approved an agreement between the Westminster Police Department (WPD) and the Westminster School District (WSD) to fund 100% of the fully burdened cost for one WPD School Resource Officer (SRO).
WSD is now requesting up to two (2) additional SROs to be primarily assigned to campuses located within the City of Westminster. WSD has agreed to fund 100% of the cost for these two potential additional full-time officers.
The presence of SROs has been shown to reduce crime, gang activity, discipline issues, and bullying on school campuses, contributing to an overall safer school environment. It is important to note that SROs are not responsible for handling routine disciplinary matters (e.g., dress code violations, minor conduct issues, or non-criminal contraband) or administering school-imposed consequences such as suspensions or expulsions.
WSD serves students across Westminster, Garden Grove, and Midway City. The fully burdened cost for the two additional SROs for the current fiscal year is $406,656. WSD will be invoiced up to $32,888 per month during the contract term. Any required SRO overtime must be pre-approved and will be paid for by WSD. SRO services will be provided during the school year while school is in session. Any contract price increases during the five-year term will be based on changes to City salaries and benefits.
If approved, the total cost for all three (3) WSD-funded SROs in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 will be $609,328. At this time, WSD has agreed to fully fund the first additional SRO immediately, and the second additional SRO will be assigned and funded once approved by WSD in this FY.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will invoice WSD in the amount of up to $32,888 on a monthly basis for the additional two SROs with a net 30-day payment due date. WSD will be invoiced only for the assigned and WSD approved SROs with a possible maximum amount of $50,832 monthly.
A revenue adjustment of $406,656 to General Police (Fund 100, Account No. 31000.39069) - Reimbursements, and an expenditure adjustment of $406,656 to General Police (Fund 100, Account No. 31000.40000) Permanent Wages are required in Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Overtime will require pre-approval by WSD, and associated costs will be fully covered by WSD.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Amendment No. 1 of the School Resource Officer Agreement with the Westminster School District allows for the presence of additional School Resource Officers, which should contribute to the reduction in crime, gang activity, discipline issues, bullying abatement, and an overall increase in safety.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Amendment No. 1 of the Cooperative agreement for School Resource Officer Program with the Westminster School District.
2. Approved Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer Program with the Westminster School District in Fiscal Year 2025-2028.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager