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Goldendale approves new jail contract with Klickitat County through 2030
Summary
Council authorized the mayor to sign a new jail services agreement with the Klickitat County Department of Corrections (term through Dec. 31, 2030). Chief Mike Smith said fees increase but the county offered a discount for the city's agency-assist role; a councilmember flagged and requested correction of a drafting reference before final execution.
The Goldendale City Council voted on March 16 to authorize the mayor to execute a jail services agreement with the Klickitat County Department of Corrections that runs through Dec. 31, 2030.
Chief Mike Smith, speaking to the council, described the new contract as similar to the prior agreement but with higher fees; he said the county provides roughly a 10% discount to the city in recognition of the city’s agency-assist role. Smith cautioned the per-inmate fees have increased but that the county rate remains competitive compared with alternatives.
A councilmember raised editorial concerns about the draft contract’s internal cross-references, noting one clause referred to the wrong section number; the member asked staff to correct the section reference (change to section 23 where appropriate) before final execution. The chief explained that the county typically attempts to notify the contract agency but that certain emergency medical circumstances require judgment calls and rapid action; he emphasized the importance of notification but acknowledged occasional operational constraints in after-hours situations.
A motion to authorize the mayor to sign the contract passed by voice vote. Council did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; the chief and staff will finalize the corrected contract language before signature.
