Wildwood commissioners again rejected a plan to provide crossing guards for The Villages Charter Schools in the Middleton neighborhood at a special meeting Monday.
The proposal lost on a 3-2 vote but could be revived if Sumter County or the county school district are willing foot a portion of the cost.
Police Chief Randy Parmer estimated it would cost about $176,268 to provide 14 crossing guards as well as two alternates. Guards also would be provided for Wildwood schools.
The cost includes pay of $15 an hour plus contributions to the Florida Retirement System and $3,200 in equipment. Free training is provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.
“It provides a safe, secure way for our children to get to school,” Parmer said.
He said the cost could rise another $100,000 when more sidewalks are built in Middleton.
Commissioners rejected funding the program last summer about two weeks before the school year began.
At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Ed Wolf said it’s unfair for Wildwood residents to bear the entire program cost. An estimated 75 percent of Wildwood residents are childless, live in The Villages and already pay school taxes.
Wolf said both the county and the school district collect more taxes than Wildwood.
“Maybe the funding of this could be shared,” he said. “We don’t have a lot left in the tax dollar that isn’t appropriated.”
Commissioner Julian Green said the county supplies school resource officers and could expand that program to include crossing guards.
As the city grows, it may have to take on more responsibilities, said Commissioner Joe Elliott.
“It is the responsibility of the city to provide this service to the schools,” he said.
Voting to reject the program were Wolf, Green and Commissioner Pamala Harrison-Bivens while Elliott and Commissioner Marcos Flores supported it.
City Manager Jason McHugh said he will contact school district officials to see if they are willing to participate in the program.
