WILLITS – In response to budget cuts, the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office reported Friday that its Willits office no longer will be open to the public.

A report from the office of District Attorney Meredith Lintott explained that due to the Willits Court closure ordered by the court on Jan. 4 and the most recent cuts to her budget, it is no longer possible to maintain a secretary in Willits.

Since Jan. 4 the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office has maintained office hours for the public at the Willits office and has victim witness advocates available for Willits residents one time per month.

However, Lintott said her office is having to respond to $730,000 in cuts and, as a result, the services in Willits no longer will be available.

Lintott said she understands the importance for the Willits community to have access to the criminal justice system and regrets the inconvenience and hardship of the court closure on the community.

One secretary has resigned from the office and will not be replaced, and since all criminal cases are now filed in Ukiah, all staff are needed in the Ukiah office, Lintott reported. However, the Fort Bragg office will remain open.

If a north county resident would like to meet with a victim witness advocate arrangements can be made by calling 707-463-4218 to schedule an appointment, Lintott's office reported.

The county of Mendocino is attempting to eliminate an $11.6 million budget deficit. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors adopted a budget on June 15 with a variety of cuts to services, which already are being rolled out.

Earlier this week, Mendocino County officials reported they were closing the Fort Bragg animal shelter in an effort to close the budget gap, as Lake County News has reported.

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