County staff request $2.47 million amendment to cover 10 Spokane Valley officers under interlocal
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Summary
Spokane County staff told commissioners Spokane Valley has requested ten new law-enforcement positions under an interlocal agreement and asked the county to add $2,470,000 to the budget to pay upfront hiring and equipment costs, with staff saying the city will reimburse the county under monthly billing and year-end reconciliation.
County staff briefed commissioners that Spokane Valley has formally requested an amendment to the interlocal law-enforcement agreement to add 10 positions and associated equipment, and asked the board to consider a budget amendment to provide the upfront funds.
Kevin Ritchie told the board that staff has developed a cost worksheet and is requesting a budget amendment to add $2,470,000 to cover hiring costs, vehicle upfitting, weapons, licensing and other equipment for the 10 officers. "So we are asking for sort of a a budget amendment to, add $2,470,000 to our budget so we can pay for those 10 officers," Ritchie said.
Commissioners asked how reimbursement will work and whether the county will be out of pocket for an extended period. County accounting staff explained that Spokane Valley is billed monthly against an anticipated budget and that a settled adjustment typically occurs the following year; staff recommended aligning the amendment with the sheriff's department's request so the county’s budget tracks the expected costs.
No formal vote was taken during the briefing. Staff said the amendment will appear on next week’s agenda for formal consideration and noted hiring timing is uncertain but anticipated within the first months of the year.
Action recorded by staff: a budget-amendment request to appear on the Jan. 13 agenda to add $2,470,000 to the county budget to fund the 10-position expansion under the Spokane Valley interlocal agreement.
