The Novato Police Department says it is struggling to maintain full staffing as nearby municipalities offer higher pay for officers.
A Novato police vehicle outside the Novato Police Department headquarters in Novato, Calif., on Friday, March 25, 2022.
“It’s pay, 100%. That’s what they are telling us,” Naugle said. “You’ve got to pay your bills. As things get more expensive that gets even harder. People are only willing to work in a good environment for so long if they don’t make enough money.” Then the officers can work on their own during a probationary period that can last a year to 18 months.
City Manager Amy Cunningham called staffing and retention a citywide problem. In the span of seven years, the numerical equivalent of the city’s workforce has turned over. “Retaining employees citywide is critical to quality service delivery and the City Council’s strategic plan supports this goal through a number of initiatives,” Cunningham said, “including organizational and compensation studies, and efforts to improve fiscal sustainability such as the proposed locally controlled sales tax measure the council has unanimously decided to place on the November 2024 ballot for voters to consider.
Shaw said the department supports the measure, noting that more money in city coffers could result in a more competitive pay range and improve retention.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
East Bay to still see triple-digit temps, but Bay Area to begin cooling offWith the peak of the heat wave over, the Bay Area will begin to see temperatures cooling off, but some inland areas will still be experiencing triple-digit temps.
Read more »
TIMELINE: Bay Area heat wave continues for 6th dayWe're six days into an expected nine-day heat wave in the Bay Area as Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings continue. Here's a timeline of the hot temps:
Read more »
Bay Area schools remain split on Newsom’s call for smartphone ban in schools“I look forward to working with the Legislature to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “When children and teens are in school, they should…
Read more »
Why Bay Area athletes are chasing container ships, at great perilEfforts mount to stop dangerous “wake boarding” in San Francisco Bay, when hydrofoilers surf the waves of giant ships.
Read more »
Klay Thompson posts tribute to Bay Area after leaving Warriors: 'Best times of my life'Klay Thompson is off to the Dallas Mavericks after spending his first 13 years with the Golden State Warriors. He posted a message to the organization and its fans Friday.
Read more »
Mountain House, a community just outside the Bay Area, officially becomes a cityMountain House, a community to the west of Tracy, officially incorporated itself as California's 483rd city.
Read more »