KING CITY — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has announced the closure of its two substation offices, located in Monterey and King City, to lobby services effective Nov. 17.
According to a news release Monday, the decision was made due to staffing needs that require records personnel to be reassigned to the Sheriff’s main office in Salinas to “maintain essential public safety services.”
Earlier this year, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office cut $5.8 million from its finances to help the county balance its annual budget.
As a result, the Sheriff’s Office was required to re-evaluate its current allotted budget and consolidate operations by moving administrative staff from the Monterey and King City offices to the main Salinas office.
Despite the public lobby closures, deputies assigned to the Monterey and King City substations will continue to operate from those offices to “ensure timely responses to calls for service and ongoing community engagement,” stated the release. Patrol coverage in both areas will remain unchanged.
“We understand that closing our substations in Monterey and King City will have an impact on lobby services in those areas,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. “However, I want to reassure our residents that there will be no impact to our current patrol operations in their communities. Our deputies will continue to serve and protect every part of Monterey County with the same dedication and professionalism.”
Residents can visit the main Sheriff’s Office at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas for any in-person inquiries or administrative services previously handled at the Monterey or King City substations. To further contact the agency, call 831-755-3700 or visit the website mcso.countyofmonterey.gov.
“The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining strong community partnerships and ensuring public safety throughout the county,” the release concluded.
