County approves law-enforcement interlocal with Dayton, Sunnyside inmate addendum and moves to finalize city contract

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 15 approved interlocal and contract actions aimed at preserving public-safety services at the start of the new year.

The board adopted an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of Dayton for criminal-justice and law-enforcement services and voted to authorize execution pending final agreement from both parties. Commissioners discussed specific contract language for animal-control response (distinguishing "dangerous" from "nuisance" animals) and enforcement discretion for deputies; the sheriff's office advised that deputies will exercise judgment and that truly criminal conduct (reckless endangerment) will be handled as such.

Separately the board approved an addendum to the county's interlocal agreement with the City of Sunnyside to continue housing inmates. The addendum sets the housing rate at $76.59 per day, and the commissioners authorized the chair to sign the document so that services will continue without interruption on Jan. 1 if the city approves its side.

Commissioners also discussed a larger contract with a city partner for law-enforcement services (presentation noted a parameter of $625,000 annually with a three-year term and no increases for three years). Staff and county counsel agreed to provide final edits so the city could review on its end; commissioners said they would send the extension or contract to the city ahead of that jurisdiction's final meeting to avoid a lapse in service.

The board emphasized that, in narrow operational areas like animal control and municipal-code enforcement for abandoned vehicles, the county's role is discretionary and depends on codification in the municipal system so citations are enforceable by the court.