Snoqualmie City Council negotiates police service agreement with North Bend

The Snoqualmie City Council held a special meeting on May 30, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding police service agreements with North Bend. The meeting focused on the impending expiration of a contract that would leave North Bend without police protection after June 1, 2025, unless a new agreement was reached.

Council members discussed the complexities surrounding the current situation, emphasizing that the city had entered into an agreement with North Bend in January. However, ongoing changes in North Bend's stance on the agreement have led to confusion and concern about jurisdiction and legal responsibilities for police actions in the area. Council members expressed frustration over the predicament, noting that legal counsel had warned of potential risks to Snoqualmie's officers and the city itself.

A key point of discussion was the need to ensure public safety for North Bend residents while negotiations continued. Councilor Johnson highlighted the importance of moving forward with the current agreement to maintain police coverage, suggesting that pursuing legal options could be a viable path if necessary. The council acknowledged that the financial implications of the agreement were significant, with Snoqualmie potentially subsidizing North Bend's police services at a cost of $219,000 per month, which was substantially lower than the original proposal.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of finalizing arrangements to provide police services to North Bend, underscoring the council's commitment to public safety for both Snoqualmie and North Bend residents. Further discussions and negotiations are expected as the council seeks to resolve the ongoing issues with North Bend's police service agreements.