Newberry Gives Initial OK to Renew Sheriff’s Contract

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission unanimously approved a new two-year law enforcement services agreement with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) during its July 28, 2025, regular meeting, extending contracted police services through Sept. 30, 2027.

The current agreement, which began in January 2025 following the election of Sheriff Chad Scott, is set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. The updated contract continues the existing structure but introduces several adjustments.

The agreement also maintains the current 3.75 percent annual price escalator. For fiscal year 2025, the total contract cost is set at $1,005,396. All other major terms from the existing contract remain unchanged, including patrol coverage, response services, and investigations within city limits.

Key among the contract is inclusion of a school traffic deputy assigned to the intersection of Southwest 15^th Street and U.S. Highway 27/State Road 41. The deputy will serve during school mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. on all student attendance days. The annual cost for this added service is approximately $32,000.

City officials indicated that the school traffic coverage addresses long-standing concerns related to morning congestion near Newberry schools.

The commission’s approval was unanimous, and no public comment was raised in opposition during the meeting.

The agreement with ACSO was one of several items on the city’s agenda, which included setting the preliminary millage rate and holding hearings on annexation ordinances and community updates.

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