Flagstaff to assist police officers in buying new homes

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Flagstaff police officers will get a financial assist from the city when buying a new home.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports that the Flagstaff City Council earmarked this week $90,000 for an assisted housing program for police department employees.

The program will offer up to $7,000 toward a down payment or closing costs on a new home for an officer or a 911 dispatcher. Applicants must be employed by the city for at least a year and cannot have owned a home within the past three years.

Housing officials say the police department has seen a high turnover rate and is looking for ways to retain employees.

Local nonprofit Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona will serve as the program's administrator.

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