Title
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender or their designee to execute a non-standard retroactive Lease Agreement with the City of Greenfield, in the amount of $9,000 for a twelve-month term, beginning on September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2027, for approximately 360 square feet of office space at 599 El Camino Real in Greenfield, California (Greenfield City Hall), for use by Public Defender staff;
b. Authorize the Public Defender or their designee to sign and execute the appropriate documents and verifications when required;
c. Authorize the Public Defender or their designee to execute any necessary amendments or extensions to allow for up to two (2) additional one-year renewal terms, under the same general terms and conditions, subject to County Counsel review; and
d. Authorize the Public Defender to issue purchase orders on an as-needed basis pursuant to this agreement over the period of September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2027.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Public Defender or their designee to execute a non-standard retroactive Lease Agreement with the City of Greenfield, in the amount of $9,000 for a twelve-month term, beginning on September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2027, for approximately 360 square feet of office space at 599 El Camino Real in Greenfield, California (Greenfield City Hall), for use by Public Defender staff;
b. Authorize the Public Defender or their designee to sign and execute the appropriate documents and verifications when required;
c. Authorize the Public Defender or their designee to execute any necessary amendments or extensions to allow for up to two (2) additional one-year renewal terms, under the same general terms and conditions, subject to County Counsel review; and
d. Authorize the Public Defender to issue purchase orders on an as-needed basis pursuant to this agreement over the period of September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2027.
SUMMARY:
Approval of the retroactive Lease Agreement will provide approximately 360 square feet of office space in Greenfield City Hall to be used as a shared satellite workspace for Public Defender attorneys, investigators, and support staff to conduct client meetings, interviews, investigative activities, case preparation, and other County business. Continued use of the space would enhance access to Public Defender services for South County residents, improve operational efficiency, reduce unnecessary staff travel, and provide a cost-effective means of maintaining a County presence in the region.
The term of the Lease Agreement will run from September 15, 2026 through September 14, 2027 and shall not exceed $9,000.
DISCUSSION:
The use of approximately 360 square feet of office space at Greenfield City Hall would provide valuable and practical resources for the Public Defender’s Office to better serve residents throughout South Monterey County. Although the space is modest in size, it would provide a centralized and professional location where attorneys, investigators, and support staff can conduct essential County business closer to the communities they serve.
The space would be utilized by Public Defender staff for a variety of functions, including client meetings and interviews, investigative activities, case preparation, document review, and other case-related business. It would also provide a location where attorneys and investigators can meet with clients, witnesses, and community members who may otherwise have difficulty traveling to the Public Defender’s main office.
Maintaining a presence in Greenfield is particularly beneficial to South County residents who may experience transportation, financial, employment, or other barriers that make traveling to the main office challenging. Providing services closer to South County residents allows the Public Defender’s Office to improve accessibility and reduce barriers to obtaining legal representation and case-related assistance.
The 360-square-foot space can be efficiently utilized through shared scheduling among attorneys, investigators, and support staff. The intent is not to create a separate full-service Public Defender office, but rather to establish a satellite workspace that allows staff to conduct necessary business in South County without the need for a larger or more costly facility.
Approval and continued use of this space would further the County’s commitment to equitable access to justice and ensure that residents throughout South Monterey County have meaningful and convenient access to the legal services provided by the Public Defender’s Office.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
The costs associated with this agreement is included in the existing Public Defender’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, 1001-227002. Future year’s costs will be included in the respective annual budgets.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This contract meets the Board’s strategic initiatives by creating a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading business and communities to thrive and grow while reducing violent crimes.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
____ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Becky Avila, Management Analyst II, Ext. 3048
Approved by: Raymond Buenaventura, Public Defender, Ext. 5806
Attachments:
Board Report
Lease Agreement with City of Greenfield