Liberty Lake’s police leadership told the council on Nov. 10 that the department’s 2026 budget prioritizes program results and accreditation while absorbing new technology and contract costs.

The police chief said the department is focusing on call response, crime prevention, criminal investigations, traffic safety and pursuing WASBIC accreditation. The 2026 draft includes one proposed additional commissioned officer (increasing authorized commissioned officers from 16 to 17) and routine salary/benefit adjustments tied to the recently approved collective bargaining agreement.

On regional technology, the chief explained the countywide replacement of the dispatch/CAD system: agencies selected Hexagon to replace New World/ Tyler. The total county purchase was reported at about $2.7 million; because Spokane PD and Spokane Airport later withdrew, Liberty Lake’s initial share rose to roughly $79,066 for implementation and an estimated $21,706 in annual maintenance thereafter (the share is calculated on the agency’s percentage of incident reports, cited as 2.85% for Liberty Lake). The chief said if larger agencies rejoin later, per‑agency costs could decline.

Councilors also questioned use and access to Flock license‑plate cameras. The chief said the department removed federal access (noting U.S. Postal Inspectors had previously had access) and now limits access to state and local partners; staff and the chief said roughly 90% of the annual Flock camera expense is funded by marijuana excise tax (~$55,000–$60,000/year).

What’s next: staff said they would include the CAD and camera annual costs in the final budget and provide follow‑up documentation on maintenance allocations and camera access policy.