Okaloosa County BOCC — December 4, 2012 — 2013 SRO Program Presentation — reading text

Mission Statement Partnering with school district, administrators, principals, teachers, parents and students to establish and maintain a secure environment and safe culture within all Okaloosa County Public Schools. Purpose: Provide specially trained and equipped School Resource Officers (SRO’s) on all public school campuses in Okaloosa County. In partnership with the Okaloosa County School District, Parents, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Family Services and other stakeholders to provide and maintain:  Armed Law Enforcement Presence  Physical campus security (doors, locks, monitoring)  Intelligence efforts geared toward identifying and countering internal and external threats before they occur.  Mentoring students through special programs and curriculum to create a culture that minimizes bullying and other anti- social behaviors.  Okaloosa County SRO Program Okaloosa County Okaloosa County SROs Program Cost BOCC School District ($118,000 LETF) ($576,125 Safe Schools) FY 2012-13 (Current Year) 14 $1,328,402 $752,277 $576,125 Additional SROs (Annual) 26 $2,260,794 Remainder of FY 2012-13 School Year (June 30) 40 $1,130,397 $565,198 $565,198 Anticipated FY 2013-14 School Year (July-June) 40 $3,485,122 $1,742,561 $1,742,561  Program Funding  Program currently funded under an agreement between the Sheriff and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) at close to a 50/50 share of program costs.  OCSD has utilized Safe School funding dollars from the state to fund their share of the program.  OCSO’s share has been included in the General Law Enforcement section of the annual budget. Funds from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) have been used for uniforms in the past and for FY 2013 $118,000 will be used for SRO salaries from the LETF.  Program Funding  Immediate funding need for remainder of the 2012-13 School Year from the BOCC is $565,198.  OCSO will commit $300,000 from the Federal Equitable Sharing Fund (forfeiture funds). This funding source may be used for salaries for the first year of new positions.  “Shared funds may be used to pay the first year’s salary and benefits of an individual hired for a new sworn law enforcement position that supplements the current law enforcement work force. After the first year, the salary and benefits for that position must be paid entirely from the agency’s appropriated funds.” US Department of Justice, Guide to Equitable Sharing  We are requesting $265,198 from BOCC Reserves to cover the remainder of the school year.  Future Funding Options  State Safe School Funding  Funding has declined 14% since 2007, from $75.3 million to $64.4 million.  Safe School funding declines have led to a significant reduction in SROs in Okaloosa County since 2008  Petition the Governor and Legislature to increase Safe School funding Florida 78 76 74 72 70 68 Florida 66 64 62 60 58 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013  Future Funding Options  Ad Valorem Taxes  The BOCC funded portion of the program could be funded by an increase of one tenth (1/10th) of one millage point.  Local Option Sales Tax  A one eighth (1/8th) cent sales tax would generate approximately $3,375,000 per year.  Would Require a legislative change to the Florida Statutes to allow use for SRO program.  Would spread the funding burden from just property owners to everybody who purchases goods and services in Okaloosa County, an estimated 46% from tourists.  Future Funding Options  Utility Franchise Fee  It is estimated that a $2.50 per month franchise fee would generate over $2,000,000 yearly, just from residential customers  Local Option Fuel Tax  Designated for Transportation needs  Would require a Statute change  Local Option Utility Tax  Available to municipalities and charter counties only  Would require a Statute change  Local Option Communications Tax  Okaloosa County already uses this revenue source  Future Funding Options  Tourist Development Tax  A Statute change would allow for the use of this revenue source for Beach and Marine Units supporting tourist areas  Would allow corresponding ad valorem revenue to be used for SRO programs  State Legislature Statutory Authority for a Special Taxing Unit for School Safety & Resource Programs  Would be a defined revenue source for school safety programs  Impact of not funding the expanded program  Traffic Enforcement Unit Cut to minimum staffing  Street Crime Unit Dissolved  Beach & Marine Unit Dissolved  Court Security Section Cut  Detention/Booking Section Cut  Civil Process Section Cut