In a significant move toward reassessing its police services contract, the North Bend City Council unanimously approved a motion on August 20, 2024, to allocate $60,000 for a comprehensive study of its police service delivery options.
The study, to be conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management, LLC (CPSM), comes at a critical time as the city’s existing Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Snoqualmie for police services approaches its expiration in December 2024.
Background and Purpose of the Study
The decision to commission this study stems from the upcoming renegotiation of the police services contract with Snoqualmie. This contract represents the single largest expense in North Bend’s budget, accounting for roughly 25% of the city’s annual General Fund expenditures.
With costs anticipated to rise significantly, the City Council identified the need for an independent analysis of potential service alternatives, aiming to make an informed decision on the most effective and cost-efficient way to provide police services.
David Miller, the City Administrator, presented the staff report, emphasizing that the study would explore various service delivery models, including continuing the partnership with Snoqualmie, contracting with King County, forming an independent police department, or other possible alternatives.
The study will evaluate these options based on cost, service quality, and other key metrics, providing the council with essential data to guide future negotiations.
Public Response and Concerns
During the meeting, the council opened the floor to public comments. Jerry Taylor Swade, a North Bend local, expressed concerns about the necessity of the study, arguing that the current police services provided by Snoqualmie are effective and well-received by the community.
Swade highlighted the improvements since the establishment of the police annex in North Bend and questioned the need to spend $60,000 on a study when, in her view, the primary issue lies in renegotiating the existing contract rather than exploring alternative models.
She also expressed concerns that the study might signal dissatisfaction with the current police services and potentially lead to unnecessary changes.
Council Members’ Perspectives
Council members addressed these concerns during the discussion, with several emphasizing that the study is not an indictment of the Snoqualmie Police Department. Councilmember Elwood clarified that the study is intended to equip the council with the necessary information to engage in contract negotiations from an informed position.
He stressed that it had been many years since the last comprehensive assessment of police services, and the current review would help ensure that North Bend is getting the best value for its significant investment in public safety.
Echoing these sentiments was Councilmember Tremolada who underscored the importance of due diligence, particularly given the substantial financial implications of the police services contract.
He noted that while the community survey results reflect high satisfaction with the current police services, the study will provide valuable insights into how these services could be optimized or maintained at a sustainable cost.
Councilmember Jocelyn added that Snoqualmie’s lack of clear and consistent information about the costs and level of service provided has been a concern. He argued that the study is necessary to obtain independent, reliable data that will inform the council’s decisions moving forward.
Next Steps
The council approved the motion, paving the way for CPSM to conduct the analysis once the contract is finalized. As indicated in CPSM’s proposal, the study is expected to cover key aspects such as forensic data analysis, staffing, and deployment levels, along with comparisons to industry standards.
The results, expected later this year, will be helpful in the city’s negotiations with Snoqualmie and in determining the future direction of North Bend’s police services.
As the city explores its options for police services, the council emphasized the importance of making informed decisions to ensure the best outcomes for public safety and fiscal responsibility.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for North Bend as it navigates the complexities of ensuring effective and efficient police services in a growing community. The study’s results could potentially influence the city’s budget and public safety strategy in the future.
