North Bend agrees to $21K monthly payment to Snoqualmie amid potential litigation

The Snoqualmie City Council held a special meeting on May 30, 2025, to discuss key agreements and ongoing negotiations with the City of North Bend. The meeting focused on a financial agreement that will remain effective until terminated with a 60-day notice, during which North Bend will pay Snoqualmie $21,000 each month to maintain the current status quo.

Council members addressed concerns regarding the potential for litigation if the two cities cannot resolve issues related to the agreement. It was noted that North Bend acknowledges the possibility of challenges to the payment amount and has included provisions for negotiation regarding any additional compensation that may be due to Snoqualmie. This indicates an openness to further discussions, as the parties have reserved their rights to negotiate and potentially litigate if necessary.

Interim City Attorney David Linehan provided insights into the agreement, emphasizing that both cities are reserving their rights to interpret the provisions of a previous agreement from 2019. He clarified that the intent of the current discussions is to maintain services while leaving room for future negotiations or legal actions to clarify any unresolved issues.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue dialogue between the two cities, ensuring that both parties remain engaged in the negotiation process. The council will monitor the situation closely as they work towards a resolution that satisfies both Snoqualmie and North Bend.