Ruston approves interlocal agreement to shift municipal court services to Pierce County District Court

The City Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 814 to enter into an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Pierce County District Court to provide municipal court services beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Staff explained that the City’s current provider, the City of Fircrest, told Ruston it lacks the capacity to process an anticipated increase in traffic infractions if Ruston implements an automated traffic-camera program. Pierce County District Court indicated it has capacity and proposed an initial annual base cost of $193,600, with a projected 4% annual increase over the four-year initial term.

Mayor Hopkins said staff estimate net savings of approximately $50,000 relative to current arrangements but warned more factors may alter that figure; Councilmember Holland urged due diligence to ensure camera implementation would not create a budget deficit. The ILA does not include processing for camera infractions; council members were told the city would renegotiate terms if a traffic-camera program is implemented and infraction volumes increase.