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Puyallup council authorizes $390,297 to continue police designated crisis responder program through 2026
Summary
The Puyallup City Council approved funding to continue the Puyallup Police Department’s designated crisis responder program, allocating $390,297 to cover the program through Dec. 31, 2026; council members noted the funding source is a one-time tier-3 allocation and flagged the need to include ongoing support in the next budget.
Puyallup City Council approved $390,297 in funding to continue the Puyallup Police Department’s designated crisis responder program through Dec. 31, 2026, during its June 10, 2025 meeting.
Chief Scott Engel told the council the department had sought outside grant funding earlier in the year but did not receive it; the amount approved covers the program from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Council member Adler asked for confirmation of the dollar amount and the coverage period; the chief confirmed the figure and dates.
Why it matters: the designated crisis responder program pairs mental-health-trained responders with police for certain calls; continuing the program keeps that service in operation while the city evaluates longer-term budget options.
Key facts - Approved funding: $390,297 to support the designated crisis responder program through the end of 2026. - The department had applied for a grant through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and did not receive award funding; the city moved to cover the program locally. - Council member Wenning (speaker noted concerns) said the city is using a one-time "tier 3" funding source and cautioned that this is not a sustainable ongoing funding source; the council will consider long-term funding in the October budget process.
Action Council approved the funding by a voice vote; council members voted in favor and the measure passed.
Ending Council members asked staff to identify sustainable, ongoing funding options during the upcoming budget process, and the program will remain operational through Dec. 31, 2026 under the approved allocation.
