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City manager says county deputy could fill Belvedere policing gap while hires train
Summary
Belvedere staff told council the city is vetting a draft agreement to have a county sheriff's deputy provide interim coverage for 3–6 months at an estimated cost of $60,000–$120,000 while full‑time and reserve hires complete background checks and training.
The city manager told the council Aug. 11 the city is pursuing a near‑term interim option to maintain patrol coverage while newly hired officers complete background checks and training. "They are open to providing a deputy for 3 to 6 months," the city manager said, describing a draft agreement under county legal review that would place a deputy in a Belvedere uniform and driving a city cruiser.
Staff estimates the temporary coverage could cost roughly $60,000–$120,000 for six months and indicated some salary savings may offset the expense; the PD's personnel budget would cover the cost until staff brings a budget amendment to reconcile unassigned fund balances later this year. Council members pressed staff on whether the county option would preclude a longer‑term Tiburon nighttime coverage model; staff said the county arrangement is intended to be month‑to‑month while negotiations with Tiburon and union meet‑and‑confer continue in parallel.
Council also asked for clarity about reserve officers, who are typically retired personnel limited in annual hours and used to fill gaps. Staff said the ideal near‑term staffing level would include five full‑time officers, a reserve, and any supplemental contract coverage as needed. Staff committed to return with updates and, if possible, a contract or administrative path to implement interim coverage before the next council meeting.
