Spokane County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a pair of agreements intended to stabilize regional emergency communications and ensure continuity of 9-1-1 services.

Commissioner Jordan moved to authorize an interlocal agreement among Spokane County, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications and the City of Spokane to coordinate dispatch operations and the distribution of sales, use and excise taxes used for emergency communication systems. "This agreement protects public safety," Jordan said during discussion, adding that it resolves longstanding funding disputes and "assures automatic mutual aid to protect first responders in the field and it prevents a disruption to 9 11 services." The motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved a separate agreement for Spokane Regional Emergency Communications to host the county's computer-aided dispatch and records management components (CAD/RMS). Commissioner Jordan said the hosting arrangement is part of a broader effort to ensure interoperable systems and continuity of service.

Commissioner French praised the collaborative approach and credited negotiators and mutual partners for bringing the agreements to a close. "We focused on finding a solution and less on our respective positions," French said, and commended Cody Rohrbach, chief for Fire District 3, for his role in reaching an "amicable solution." Commissioner Wong thanked county staff and city partners and said she was "excited to hear the SHREC board adopted or approved the contract" this week.

County officials and board members described months of negotiations involving transition committees and mediation. Jordan singled out county staff — including Scott Simmons, Tessa Sheldon and County Counsel Matt Folsom — for work on the agreement. Commissioners said the accords are intended to prevent service interruptions, clarify funding distribution, and formalize mutual-aid commitments among agencies.

The actions were taken by unanimous voice vote. The agreements take effect subject to final execution of contract documents and required signatures.