Sierra County officials are searching for a new home for the Loyalton Probation Department after receiving an unexpected notice that the City of Loyalton is terminating the office’s lease effective Oct. 31.
County supervisors said they were caught off guard by the decision, adding the issue to Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting as an emergency agenda item. Officials believed lease negotiations were still underway when the termination notice arrived.
Chief Probation Officer Chuck Henson said the City had proposed a new lease that would have nearly doubled the County’s rent while also requiring the County to pay for Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, a fire suppression system, and exterior building maintenance. The County submitted counterproposals, but instead received a notice ending the lease.
County leaders say losing the Beckwith Street location could have impacts beyond office space. The probation office is located near Loyalton’s schools, city park, and Little League fields, allowing probation officers to quickly respond to incidents and assist with school safety. Henson warned relocating the office—or leaving Loyalton altogether if another site cannot be found—would reduce that local presence.
The lease dispute also prompted a broader discussion about the County’s relationship with the City. Sheriff Mike Fisher told supervisors the County responded to more than 630 calls for service within Loyalton over the past year under a law enforcement contract that has not been renegotiated since 2009. Fisher said the County has continued providing extensive public safety services despite rising costs and encouraged the Loyalton City Council to publicly discuss the future of its partnership with Sierra County.
The Board directed an ad hoc committee to begin looking for alternative locations for the probation office and plans to revisit the issue during its next meeting in Loyalton. Loyalton Mayor Joy Markum declined to comment, saying the matter is being handled by the city’s attorney.
