The City of Willows declared a public safety emergency this week just as its law enforcement services agreement with the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office was scheduled to expire.
The emergency declaration has prompted city leaders to seek additional resources while a legal dispute continues.
The Willows City Council voted 4-0 on June 29 to approve the emergency declaration, with one councilmember absent, the city announced in a statement on June 30.
The action came less than 48 hours before the agreement with the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office was set to come to an end at 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
The city said the emergency will ensure continuity of law enforcement services, marshal available resources, and address any potential gaps in public safety.
Additionally, the move allows city officials to request additional assistance from the State of California, if needed, while a long-term solution is determined.
Located in Northern California’s Glenn County, Willows has around 6,000 residents and has depended on the sheriff’s office for law enforcement services since its police department was disbanded in 2017, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report.
The sheriff’s office had earlier said it would not renew the city contract due to a dispute over the cost of providing services, the report noted.
The City of Willows filed a lawsuit on June 9, asking the court to direct Glenn County and the sheriff’s office to continue providing law enforcement services while the two parties negotiate a new contract.
Citing a statement from Glenn County Sheriff Justin Gibbs, the report said that the county office would comply with its constitutional and statutory obligations.
“Unprecedented Situation”
Characterizing the situation as “unprecedented,” Mayor Evan Hutson expressed disappointment to be in the position. He said he “will be working hard with the City Council” to resolve the situation.
“It has always been a goal to re-establish our own police department, and we will continue toward that goal while doing our best to provide the public safety all of our citizens deserve,” Hutson said.
According to the city, the emergency declaration was made despite the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office announcing on June 25 that it would continue to fulfill its constitutional and statutory obligations in accordance with applicable laws.
“Protecting our citizens is my focus, while making sure our tax dollars are spent correctly,” said Vice-Mayor Thomas, who serves on the city’s Law Enforcement Services Ad Hoc Committee.
Residents were advised to continue calling 911 for public safety emergencies while the city awaits a July 8 court hearing on its petition for injunctive relief seeking to maintain uninterrupted law enforcement services.
Meanwhile, the city is also continuing its mediation with Glenn County, although no future mediation sessions have been scheduled.