North Bend council votes to authorize negotiations with King County for police services

The North Bend City Council voted unanimously May 6 to authorize the mayor to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the King County Sheriff's Office for the provision of police services after months of study, public comment and deliberation.

Council members and staff framed the decision as a financial and operational choice rather than a rebuke of Snoqualmie officers who currently provide the city's policing. Council member Gothelf said the process had been painful: "My heart is kinda broken at this point," he told the meeting, adding that his concerns were aimed at administration and contract management rather than individual officers.

Council members cited three main considerations in choosing King County: cost, transparency and access to county resources. Council member Susan Torgerson summarized the financial comparison presented at the meeting, saying the 18‑month cost of continuing with Snoqualmie would be "about $6,500,000," while the King…