The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 8 approved a detention-use contract with Grant County, Oregon, allowing Grant County to place juvenile detainees in the Walla Walla County Juvenile Justice Center as beds are available.

Nori, who presented the item to the board, said the agreement is “pretty straightforward” and that Grant County budgets roughly $9,000 annually for detention costs and uses multiple facilities. Nori told the board Grant County reached out to Walla Walla County “wanting to know if we would have a bed for them as needed.”

Commissioners asked about distance and logistics; the board discussed that Grant County (John Day, Ore.) is several hours away but that occasional use could offer a third option when closer facilities such as Deschutes County or Norcor are full. County counsel and staff clarified that the contract would be effective once fully executed locally; no juveniles would be accepted before signing.

The board approved the contract 3-0. Commissioners also discussed inserting or clarifying automatic-renewal or notice provisions in future agreements; current language provides a 60-day cancellation notice.