City staff: King County proposal could add about $514,000 for probation services; decision deadline extended to May 12

Candace Martinson, Auburn's director of human resources and risk management, told the City Council on March 31 that King County District Court staff and the presiding judge have proposed returning probation services to municipalities under a full cost recovery model and preliminarily quoted Auburn about $514,000 before overhead for probation services.

Martinso n said the proposal came during March meetings with King County District Court staff and the presiding judge and that the county has told her it is facing a budget shortfall. "We are looking at a $514,000 charge before overhead costs for our probation services in addition to the costs that we pay for the interlocal agreement for municipal court services," Martinson said.

The information alters the financial comparison the council used earlier this year when it discussed leaving King County District Court services. Martinson said there was no indication before the February 1, 2025 decision date that Auburn would be asked to assume probation costs. She said the presiding judge has committed to a new…