The Mountlake Terrace City Council authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County on Tuesday to participate in the Snohomish County Outreach Team (SCOUT), embedding a 0.5 full‑time‑equivalent social service worker to address homelessness, mental health and substance‑use needs.

Police Commander Scott King described the program's structure and costs. For 2025 the ILA lists total program costs at $131,080; $88,669 of that amount is covered by grants through Linwood (as stated in the packet), and $42,330 is the city’s share, to be paid from opioid settlement funds. The county provides the 0.5 FTE social service worker, supervision and training, administrative support, equipment and a client database; the city contributes funding for the part‑time worker share and ancillary flexible assistance such as temporary shelter, move‑in supplies, ORCA cards and transportation assistance.

Commander King told the council the city already received a $7,500 flexible assistance grant from SCOUT for client needs and that the department can use previously accessed "Blue Bridal" funds as well. On medical costs, King said one‑time medical expenses would be paid with the department credit card and then reimbursed by SCOUT upon submission of receipts.

Councilmember Sanborn and others praised the program and asked about community outreach and longer‑term costs. King said SCOUT staff have attended local meetings, including the department's "cops and clergy" meeting, and can present to the council or other community forums on request. The 2026 costs will be determined in writing by both parties before Jan. 1, 2026; the city manager said opioid settlement revenue will continue to arrive in varying structures and may help support the program in future years.

Councilmember Wold moved to authorize the mayor to sign the SCOUT interlocal agreement; the motion was seconded and carried on an affirmative voice vote. The agreement allows either party to terminate with at least 30 days' written notice and requires the parties to agree on 2026 costs in writing before Jan. 1, 2026.