The Covington City Council unanimously approved a sublease agreement with the King County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 9.

As a part of the agreement about 1,000 square feet in City Hall will be leased to King County to use for a precinct satellite office. The Sheriff’s Office is planning to close down its East Precinct Headquarters in Maple Valley.

“This is a win-win situation for the county and the city and for our business,” said City Manager Derek Matheson.

Matheson, who recommended the sublease agreement, stated the agreement benefits both sides equally. While the Sheriff’s Office will save money on a lower cost facility, surplus space in City Hall will be filled and the number of law enforcement personnel in the city limits will potentially increase by 100 percent.

Additionally, the lease is expected to save Covington approximately $32,000 annually in contract costs for its police department.

According to Matheson, the new headquarters would act as a home base for deputies who patrol unincorporated ares of King County.

According to the City Council agenda, the county will pay for the lease and operating expenses, as well as reimburse the city for any improvement costs.

Matheson stated the earliest move-in date would be in the fall. The sublease agreement is for six years, plus two possible five year extension periods.