County likely to approve White Pigeon resource deputy

St. Joseph County is expected to enter into an agreement with White Pigeon Community Schools for the services of a School Resource Deputy.

During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, commissioners discussed the proposal originally pitched by school officials. According to terms of a potential, five-year contract, the county would provide the services of a deputy for 43 weeks. The deputy would work 40 hours a week, with daily starting and ending shifts to be established by school officials.

White Pigeon Community Schools Superintendent Shelly McBride said the school board during its June meeting approved the plan and respective funding. Now, county commissioners will likely approve it on their end when they meet Tuesday next week.

St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring said the deputy will assist the county’s parks and recreation department during summer months and over school holidays.

The service will cost about $75,000 annually. White Pigeon Community Schools will pay about 80 percent of that, while the county’s parks and recreation department will cover the balance.