The North Bend City Council on May 29 unanimously authorized the mayor pro tem to sign an interim agreement with the City of Snoqualmie to maintain police services during a disputed transition to King County. The council's motion, moved by Council member Bridal Ellwood and seconded from the dais, preserves portions of the 2019 interlocal agreement and sets a monthly payment of $219,849 from North Bend to Snoqualmie while the interim agreement is in effect.

The vote followed public comment urging uninterrupted police authority for officers and extended council discussion about a May 27 letter from Snoqualmie that said it would cease providing services as of June 1 unless a new agreement was signed. Council members said the May 27 notice conflicts with an 18-month holdover provision in the 2019 interlocal agreement and with earlier assurances from Snoqualmie that it would cooperate on an orderly transition.

Council member Bridal Ellwood, who presented the motion, read a revised interim agreement that ‘‘To maintain the status quo of police services, the parties agree that the following sections of the 2019 renewal agreement are in effect’’ and enumerated specific sections. Ellwood said the motion ‘‘maintains the status quo as intended, provides the parties a 60-day termination opportunity, and solidifies the payment the City of North Bend will be making while this interim agreement is effective.’’

During public comment, Catherine Gotten of Railroad Avenue/Railroad Place in Snoqualmie urged the council to ensure officers retain police authority before the June 1 date, saying the change should not jeopardize prosecutions or public safety: "In order for our officers to be able to perform their duties, . . . we want to . . . confer the police authority to them so that they can continue here in North Bend." The council repeatedly said public safety is its top priority.

Council member Suzanne Torgerson raised procedural concerns about the timing of the special meeting and Snoqualmie's letter, citing Washington's Open Public Meetings Act and saying the May 27 notice had put North Bend under duress. Torgerson said cities ‘‘have to give at least 24 hours notice before holding a special city council meeting’’ and argued the letter was an attempt to pressure North Bend to abandon existing contract terms.

Several council members, including Alan Gotthold, Errol Tremolata and Christina Rustic, said they supported the motion and criticized the abrupt deadline from Snoqualmie. Council members also noted prior public statements from Snoqualmie on May 8 that, at that time, had said Snoqualmie was committed to cooperating on the transition.

The motion authorizes the mayor pro tem to sign the interim agreement as proposed by Snoqualmie with the stated modification to a section reading that specified portions of the 2019 renewal agreement remain in effect; it specifies a monthly payment of $219,849 from North Bend to Snoqualmie and a 60-day termination right. The council voted in favor and the mayor pro tem declared the vote unanimous.

The council recessed into an executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss potential litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) before returning to the public session and taking the vote. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting, and the council adjourned after the vote.