Indiana Public Media: Hamilton introduces housing assistance program for police, bonuses for firefighters

Lucas Gonzalez, Indiana Public Media

Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton says the city’s greatest challenge to public safety is its ability to recruit and retain first responders.

To that end, he has announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening incentives for police and firefighters to serve Bloomington.

The first is a $100,000 no-interest down payment loan on a Bloomington home for up to 10 police officers and 10 firefighters.

Hamilton said the program will let first responders buy homes they otherwise might not be able to afford and plant roots in the city.

“This reflects the concept that having first responders live in our city is valuable,” Hamilton said. “It's valuable to the city and to the neighborhoods where they live. It's valuable to public safety by bringing and building deep and broad community connections.”

The city estimates program participants will see $100,000 in home equity after 10 years.

Struggles in first responder personnel is not an issue exclusive to Bloomington; communities across the nation have struggled as well. The city says this initiative is the first of its kind known to exist in the country.

The program will be funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds and annual budgets from the police and fire departments.

The city is working with local banks and other financial institutions to implement the program.

Hamilton also announced the city will offer additional bonus compensation for certain Bloomington Fire Department union employees, bringing compensation increase from the negotiated 2% up to 5%.

His office has also said it plans to seek a similar increase next year, though that is contingent on the city’s finances and supported from the city council.

Hamilton introduced both plans Thursday at the city’s seventh annual joint Public Safety Report.

Last year, the mayor’s administration announced new signing bonuses, rental and down payment assistance and take-home patrol vehicles for police as well as rental assistance for firefighters.

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