LISD hopes to attract more SROs with added pay

By Kyle Mooty

LPR Editor

Lockhart Police Chief Gary Williamson noted a strong working relationship with his department and Lockhart ISD, as well as assistance from community watch volunteers with the Lockhart Lion Guard, are keeping the safety of students at local campuses safe.

Williamson, while addressing Lockhart City Council last week, said there was an LPD officer at both the high school and junior high locations, Caldwell County Constables manning the elementary schools, and he would be adding a second officer who would be at the high school and in a floating capacity to other campuses in October. Those officers work as School Resource Officers.

Also, Williamson praised the Lion Guard Program.

“It’s awesome to see the parents’ investment and the interest of the interest in the security of the schools,” Williamson said.

Lion Guard Community Watch volunteers undergo a criminal background check and participate in safety training, eventually helping gauge the ongoings at LISD campuses.

“LISD is asking for $1,000 per month special assignment pay through the school year, August of 2024 through May 2025,” Williamson said. “The current agreement at this time is beneficial to both of us.”

The $1,000 is in addition to the current $200 pay for School Resource Officers.

The Interlocal Cooperation Agreement was unanimously approved by City Council.

In other business:

Mayor White said there was “interest from a couple of major hospital corporations and 24-hour emergency rooms” regarding Lockhart. “We do have a meeting scheduled in the near future to discuss one coming to town.”

City Council did not approve the $40,000 request from CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation) for the following year through September 2025, but it did up its donation to $30,000 (up from $20,000). The local CARTS office has its highest daily ridership in the region.

The next community outreach event in Lockhart from Austin Community College will be Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at a site still to be determined. Information updates can be found by visiting austincc.edu/lockhart.

Julie Bowermon, Human Resources/Civil Service Director, said the amendment special proposal to the City of Lockhart’s Charter would cost just under $14,000 at the Nov. 5 General Election. That election will have a larger turnout than usual since it involves the race for U.S. President on the ballot.

Also, Bowrmon said election workers will be appointed by Caldwell County Commissioners at their Sept. 10 meeting.

Rob Ortiz, who has been serving as an alternate on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for 15 years, was approved as a regular member of that board by a 7-0 vote.

A TxCDBG grant of $350,000 will allow Lockhart to cover 80 percent of the funds needed to replace about 950 water meters due to old age. Those meters have become less accurate and more costly to repair. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Robert Lewis addressed the Council during the Public Comment section and said there had been problems with kids as well as gunshots in his area. He lives on Chihuahua Street. He also noted there were problems with his street.

A public hearing has been set for Tuesday, Sept. 3 at City Council for the proposed Fiscal year 2024-2025 Budget.

Councilmember Brad Westmoreland: asked everyone to “Please be mindful of crossings with schools back in session.” Mayor White added, “Be mindful of pedestrian traffic wherever you’re driving.”

Also, Councilmember Jeffry Michelson said people should check on their neighbors and the elderly during the excessive heat.