King County has found the money to once again staff the Sheriff Office’s storefront office in Skyway.

The storefront had a deputy specifically dedicated to patrol West Hill until April 2010, when it was closed because of ongoing deep cuts to the county’s budget that pays for day-to-day operations.

The roughly $48,000 will pay for a deputy’s salary and benefits through year’s end, starting on July 1. County Executive Dow Constantine, in announcing the money Monday, said he will ask the County Council for money to pay for the position next year, too.

Constantine is using part of the savings from a reduction in how much the county contributes to employee pensions. The state Legislature recently changed the cost-of-living formula for retirees in the oldest state pension system, according to the county.

“This is great news for Skyway residents,” said Sheriff Sue Rahr in a news release. “I know community members lobbied relentlessly to restore this vital presence. It’s a testament to their perseverance and the willingness of the executive and County Council to listen and act on their concerns. All deserve the credit.”

Rahr said it’s expected that Deputy Marty Hodge will return to the storefront next week. He has been a popular figure in the community.

Just logically, said sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart, a dedicated deputy will improve response times on West Hill.

“More importantly it will provide a deputy not tied down by patrol duties to hold community meetings, help with block watches, answer questions, and pro-actively work on hot spots,” he said.

Hodge will also provide back-up for deputies already working the area, Urquhart said. Hodge will be on duty noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, although his schedule is flexible as a need arises, he said.

Constantine also signed a letter supporting the City of Renton’s application for a U.S. Department of Justice grant for three years  that would fund six police officers for the Skyway/West Hill community, should the area vote to annex to Renton. The City Council has set such a vote for next February.