North Bend council authorizes interlocal police agreement with Snoqualmie, ending litigation

The North Bend City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize the mayor to execute and administer an interlocal agreement with the City of Snoqualmie for police services.

The action, moved by Councilmember Mark Jocelyn and seconded by Councilmember Christina Rustic, was presented to the council as a conclusion to a lengthy transition and related legal dispute. "I move to authorize the mayor to execute and administer the interlocal agreement between the City of North Bend and the City of Snoqualmie for police services," Jocelyn said before the vote.

Council members described the vote as a chance to move past conflict and rebuild trust between the neighboring cities. Jocelyn said approving the agreement should let the two legislative bodies stop feeling like they were "fighting with each other and begin to rebuild trust and relationships." Rustic and others said the agreement will allow council and staff to focus on cooperation rather than litigation.

City staff and Snoqualmie officials signed similar language at their council meeting the night before, a council member noted, and North Bend’s vote completes the local approvals needed to implement the agreement. Council members and staff said the ordinance will reduce legal costs and clarify operational responsibilities between the two agencies.

The council did not detail the full operational terms in the public discussion; city staff confirmed the mayor is authorized to sign the agreement on the city’s behalf. The vote on the motion was unanimous.

The council recorded no changes to City of North Bend staffing in this action; the agreement authorizes intergovernmental police service arrangements and is intended to end prior litigation between the two cities.

The mayor will now execute the interlocal agreement and staff will work with Snoqualmie for implementation details and timelines.