Monterey signs new agreement to help Presidio stick around

UPDATE: The signing of the Intergovernmental Support Agreement in front of Colton Hall marked a new five year commitment between the Presidio of Monterey and the City of Monterey’s Municipal Service Agency.

“You’ll see the city of Monterey and the Presidio grow closer together as we kick off this new relationships,” said Colonel Lawrence Brown, Garrison Commander of Presidio of Monterey.

Under this renewed partnership, the city will provide the military installation with a wealth of specialized maintenance and operations skills, services and resources, so that they can continue and maintain their operations and presence in Monterey.

“This is the largest contract of its type anywhere in the nation,” said City of Monterey Manager Mike McCarthy. “It solidifies we’re doing it for the reasons to support the military and make sure that they’re services are as efficient as possible.”

The municipal military partnership is referred to as the Monterey Model, a pilot program that’s now being used all over the country.

“It really have become a national model,” said Congressmen Sam Farr. “Now a lot of military cities and base communities are looking to Monterey and saying how did you do that?”

The agreement also covers operations, maintenance and repairs for the Ord Military Community and Camp Roberts. It was first started to reduce hefty costs to the Defense Language Institute to keep it from shutting down.

“We think the more that we’re in the spotlight with Washington and all throughout the nation, the less likely that a BRAC would impact Monterey,” said McCarthy.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Presidio of Monterey is entering into a new five year agreement with the City of Monterey’s Presidio Municipal Services Agency to continue providing municipal services.

Officials say the city is offering maintenance of services to the Presidio, Ord Military Community and Camp Roberts in Southern Monterey County to help lower their operational costs, which in turn will help them maintain their base and presence in Monterey.

The unique municipal-military partnerships is known as the “Monterey Model.” It is nationally known and being used by communities around the country.

The signing of the Intergovernmental Support Agreement will take place in front on Colton Hall Tuesday, October 11 th at 2:30 p.m.

KION’s Maya Holmes will have more on what this means for the Military Bases and the economy of Monterey.