On May 6, 2025, the North Bend City Council unanimously approved a motion authorizing Mayor Mary Miller to negotiate an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the King County Sheriff’s Office, signaling a major transition in the city’s approach to public safety.
The decision follows a lengthy evaluation process during which the Council reviewed police service proposals from the Snoqualmie Police Department and the King County Sheriff’s Office. While Snoqualmie’s bid was lower in cost and scored highest in city staff’s evaluation, North Bend councilmembers cited fiscal transparency, long-term sustainability, and governance concerns as key factors in the vote to pursue a contract with the county.
“There were several factors that led to this decision,” said Councilmember and Public Health and Safety Committee Chair Chris Rustik. “While this contract is for police services, the contract itself is with the City of Snoqualmie and limits our direct involvement with and access to the police department. The City of North Bend has no input on decisions that directly affect our costs, such as salary changes, facility upgrades, or training expenses.”
The move will end a 14-year partnership between the two cities. North Bend councilmembers expressed appreciation for the work of the Snoqualmie Police Department and acknowledged the community’s engagement throughout the decision-making process.
“The Snoqualmie Police Department has served us well and kept us safe,” said Councilmember Heather Koellen. “The same will be true for the Sheriff’s Department. They will protect us and keep us safe.”
Public comments during the meeting reflected a wide range of perspectives. Many North Bend residents supported continuing the city’s contract with the Snoqualmie Police Department, citing established trust, consistent service, and the proposal’s lower cost.
Snoqualmie officials also strongly appealed to maintain the partnership. Mayor Katherine Ross, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Holloway, and Councilmembers Jolyon Johnson, Ethan Benson, and Cat Cotton highlighted their commitment to intercity cooperation, renewed dialogue, and confidence in the department’s ability to serve North Bend effectively.
North Bend resident Jonathan Pearlstein, who has close family ties to the King County Sheriff’s Office, expressed support for the transition, citing the department’s broader resources and specialized units. “They have dedicated units to all types of crime. The breadth of the resources just are unparalleled,” he said. Resident Robyn Balcom voiced appreciation for the Council’s diligence: “I so appreciate the due diligence that you went through to really see what the options are. I feel like you really had North Bend’s heart and our budget in mind.”
Concerns about transparency, long-term cost control, and local influence were key factors raised by North Bend councilmembers in their decision.
Snoqualmie city leaders voiced disappointment in the outcome. “We are disappointed that the North Bend City Council declined continuing our longstanding police services partnership,” said Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross. “Despite this outcome, public safety remains our top priority.”
North Bend and the City of Snoqualmie entered ILA renewal discussions in early 2024, during a broader evaluation of police service options. Snoqualmie’s proposal included enhanced communication efforts, such as a police advisory committee, and emphasized continuity through its existing presence in the North Bend community.
According to Snoqualmie officials, North Bend accounted for 46% of total calls for service, despite contributing only 27% of the overall cost of police services. “We stand by our decision to propose a model that reflects the true costs of providing police services for North Bend,” Mayor Ross added. “The proposed contract price protected Snoqualmie’s long-term financial sustainability and ensured that Snoqualmie taxpayers were not subsidizing North Bend police services.”
Interim City Administrator Bob Larson described the selection process as transparent and data-driven, highlighting public comment, a formal RFP, and presentations from both agencies. Council members discussed the King County Sheriff’s Office’s detailed proposal and noted strong testimonials from other contract cities. While Snoqualmie’s proposal scored highly, concerns about long-term costs, limited administrative control, and financial transparency led the Council to authorize negotiations with King County.
Several North Bend council members expressed disappointment over the deteriorated relationship with Snoqualmie’s administration, but clarified that their concerns were not directed at officers. They cited missed opportunities for constructive dialogue, limited participation in police leadership decisions, and unresolved issues around staffing levels and cost accounting. Council members spoke of the financial advantages of the King County proposal and its structure, which allows more input on leadership and services. The vote followed extensive deliberation and public testimony, and councilmembers stressed their continued commitment to community safety and a smooth transition.
As of May 8, Snoqualmie officials reported they had not received formal notice of termination from North Bend. The City of North Bend will continue providing updates as ILA negotiations with King County progress. In the interim, the Snoqualmie Police Department remains the city’s public safety provider.
Watch the full city council meeting here.
.
