Belvedere explores subsidy to help police live in town
Belvedere is looking to provide a monthly $1,000 housing subsidy to help one of its police officers live in town under a new pilot program that could eventually expand if other city staff show interest.
However, current rental prices found online suggest even that might not be enough, as one cop has already withdrawn early interest in the program after deciding it wouldn’t be financially feasible to move his family from Novato.
Another officer, Caitlin Cullen, is currently searching for housing in town, City Manager Robert Zadnik said. If she finds something suitable, she could receive the monthly subsidy through June 2025. The pilot program is expected to be reviewed by the city’s Finance Committee and City Council when it finalizes the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1. Zadnik said the city could look into increasing the rental subsidy at that time.
He said the program could potentially be a win-win by helping make the high cost of living more manageable for city workers while also ensuring members of staff are close by to respond quickly in an emergency.
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