Council approves short-term amendment to North Bend police services agreement amid ongoing talks

Snoqualmie City Council on Jan. 27 unanimously approved a short-term amendment to the 2019 interlocal agreement for police services with the city of North Bend that runs Jan. 1 through May 31, 2025.

The amendment, introduced by Councilor Watton, states North Bend proposed a 12.9% increase in compensation while the two cities continue negotiating a new local agreement. "North Bend has proposed to increase the level of compensation by 12.9% while both cities continue to work on a new local agreement," Councilor Watton said while reading the item. Councilor Christiansen seconded the motion; the council voted unanimously to approve the renewal and authorized the mayor to sign the amendment.

Why it matters: both cities operate a shared police-services arrangement that council members said maximizes responsiveness and stewardship of tax dollars. Councilors repeatedly described the interlocal model as critical to public-safety coverage across the two municipalities; public commenters from North Bend urged Snoqualmie to support continued cooperation while a new multi-year formula is negotiated.

Council discussion and next steps: council members and staff said they are meeting with finance directors to finalize a compensation formula. City Administrator Mike Chambliss told council that finance directors met and set a follow-up meeting to go over the proposed compensation formula and "hopefully get that nailed down." Councilor Holloway and others noted the amendment covers only the early 2025 period and that full-year figures in the agreement’s table had caused some confusion; staff confirmed the table entry was requested by North Bend but the formal agreement term runs only through May 31, 2025. Chambliss said that if sufficient progress is made, staff will return in May with recommendations; if not, alternatives will be considered at that time.

Public comment: two North Bend officials addressed the council before the vote. Mary Miller identified herself as mayor of North Bend and said fostering cooperative relationships between the two cities is a priority. Mark Johnson, mayor pro tem of North Bend, asked the council to support measures that allow continued dialogue and shared services between the cities.

The council recorded the motion as moved by Councilor Watton and seconded by Councilor Christiansen; the council voted "aye" unanimously and approved the amendment. No further amendments to the agreement were adopted at the meeting.