King County presents $3.7M police proposal for North Bend contract

During the recent North Bend City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the proposed police service contract with King County, which could reshape local law enforcement operations. The proposal outlines a total cost of approximately $3.7 million, excluding dispatch and specialty unit expenses, with an initial one-time startup cost of $1.2 million for hiring new staff.

The council reviewed the staffing plan, which includes 12 dedicated deputies for North Bend, and noted that King County's average response times for priority calls range from 6 to 8 minutes, a detail that will be clarified further regarding whether it includes dispatch times. The proposal also emphasizes the county's advanced data management systems and the inclusion of body-worn cameras in their operating expenses.

A key point of discussion was the cost comparison between King County and the current provider, the City of Snoqualmie. The average cost per officer with Snoqualmie stands at $365,000, while King County's cost is significantly lower at $282,000 per deputy. This disparity raises questions about future staffing needs and budget implications for the city.

The council also addressed concerns regarding vehicle ownership and maintenance under the new contract. Currently, North Bend owns four police vehicles that are maintained by Snoqualmie, but under the proposed King County model, new vehicles would be purchased and marked as city property.

In addition to the police service proposal, the council discussed overhead costs associated with both King County and Snoqualmie. King County's overhead rate is approximately 7.5%, compared to Snoqualmie's 15%, attributed to the larger scale of the county's operations, which allows for more efficient cost distribution.

As the council deliberates these proposals, the implications for public safety and fiscal responsibility remain at the forefront of their discussions. The next steps will involve further clarifications from King County and continued evaluation of the best path forward for North Bend's law enforcement needs.