North Bend Council discusses public safety funding and staffing for police services

Public safety and staffing challenges took center stage at the North Bend City Council's Special Workstudy Meeting on April 8, 2025. City officials discussed pressing issues, including a significant rise in public records requests and the need for additional law enforcement personnel to address increasing crime rates and road safety concerns.

The meeting highlighted the strain on city resources, with staff handling over 500 public records requests annually, prompting a request for an additional records personnel to alleviate the workload. Council members expressed concern over the impact of ongoing road construction, which has led to increased traffic collisions, including a recent incident involving a flipped vehicle on I-90.

To bolster public safety, the council proposed staffing two officers and a sergeant in each city, enhancing the community's surge capacity during emergencies. This strategy aims to ensure that both North Bend and its neighboring city can effectively respond to major incidents, reflecting their interconnectedness as a single community.

In addition to staffing discussions, council members raised questions about the financial implications of police service agreements, including operational costs and facility charges. The proposed fee structure includes a 15% contract administration charge, designed to cover overhead expenses related to police services. Officials clarified that while the police station would remain operational, specific positions funded by North Bend could be eliminated if the city opted out of the agreement.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing public safety challenges while navigating budgetary constraints. As North Bend looks ahead, the council's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's law enforcement capabilities and overall safety.