South Monterey County Talks Shared Services - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

South Monterey County Talks Shared Services

GREENFIELD, Calif.-  Debates, protests and even council members recalled.  Now four Central Coast cities are taking new steps to come together and share resources.  We have new information on a story we've been following for more than a year now in South Monterey County.  But this time, they're talking about sharing more than just police resources.

We're learning there's a new united effort between the four biggest cities in South Monterey County, including Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City.  All four have agreed to start brainstorming and come up with ways to make shared services work for everyone.

Greenfield and Soledad are already sharing police Chief Eric Sills, a move they decided to make about a year ago.

"We've had really good successes in solving some of our cases and we've seen a lot of opportunities to share everything from having staff meet together between the two cities," said Chief Eric Sills.

Talks of sharing more police services between Greenfield and Soledad have failed in the past.  But now city leaders said they're turning a new leaf, and want to add King City and Gonzales to the mix.  On Tuesday night, Greenfield council members made it official.  Now they're planning to lead the discussion on how to make some real positive changes this time.  Some said they're all for it.

"It's four cities coming together, working together with city council with shared services with police or churches or even schools," said resident and local pastor Andrew Salinas.

All four cities have agreed to spend $5,000 dollars each to invest in hiring someone to research the benefits of sharing resources, making sure every city gets its fair share of the limelight.  Greenfield city leaders said when residents walk through the city hall front door, they want to make sure it still has its own unique identity.  It's a concern several council members voiced and plan to discuss in the future.

"Not losing identities between the cities but how we can bring cities together share resources, improves service," Chief Sills said.

Greenfield council members also mentioned new Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter wants Salinas to be in on the conversation of shared services as well.  We called Mayor Gunter to find out more but haven't heard back yet.