Council approves Toppenish court interlocal after debate; members request financial history

The Sunnyside City Council on Sept. 22 voted to authorize the interim city manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the City of Toppenish to provide municipal court services. The vote followed extended discussion about the contract—s fiscal impacts and a request from multiple council members for historical revenue and expense information.

Court staff said Sunnyside has provided court services for Toppenish since 2017 and that Toppenish pays a monthly minimum plus a share of operational costs. Vanessa Inquis, representing the Sunnyside court, projected revenue under the agreement and described the operational elements the fee covers, including staff, presiding judge, prosecutor and public defense services.

Several council members said they wanted a complete accounting of revenues, expenses and invoices before renewing the contract. Staff agreed to provide historical financial reports and invoices by email. Interim City Manager Jim Bridges and court staff argued that operating without a current contract posed liability risks and that having an approved interlocal agreement would help the city respond to records requests and litigation related to the municipal court.

During the roll call, Councilor Whitley recorded an abstention; Councilor Hancock said she wanted additional financial detail before approving and voiced concern about long-term costs, though the motion ultimately passed. Staff committed to delivering a full revenue-and-expense history and copies of invoices to council via email.

Ending: Council directed staff to email Toppenish contract financial summaries and supporting invoices to council members; staff said the contract had expired and that continued operation without a contract increased liability, which informed the decision to approve the interlocal agreement with the understanding that council would receive follow-up financial documentation.