At a special meeting on May 22, 2025, the Snoqualmie City Council directed staff to pursue all necessary steps—ranging from negotiation to potential litigation—to ensure that the City of North Bend confers law enforcement authority to the Snoqualmie Police Department.
The move aims to maintain uninterrupted public safety services during an ongoing contractual dispute tied to the 2025 Police Services Interlocal Agreement (ILA), which expires on May 31. Without new authorization, Snoqualmie officers will no longer have legal jurisdiction to police within North Bend’s city limits after that date.
“Snoqualmie is committed to protecting the residents of both cities; that is, first and foremost,” stated Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Holloway.
Following Mayor Pro Tem’s statement, the Snoqualmie City Council unanimously approved the motion directing staff to begin all necessary steps, from negotiation up to and including litigation, to have North Bend confer law enforcement authority to the Snoqualmie Police Department after May 31, 2025, and seek appropriate reimbursement for police services during the termination period.
On May 27, 2025, the Snoqualmie City Council, in a 6-1 vote, authorized the Mayor to sign either of two proposed agreements with North Bend that would confer law enforcement authority to Snoqualmie police officers.
“We are requesting that North Bend confer law enforcement authority so that public safety may be maintained while we work on the contractual dispute,” said Mayor Katherine Ross. “We are committed to participating cooperatively in the upcoming transition period.”
ILA Background
On May 6, 2025, the North Bend City Council passed AB25-044, authorizing Mayor Miller to negotiate a new police services contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office. The City of Snoqualmie offered the City of North Bend a bridge ILA to continue police services as North Bend completes its transition to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 20, 2025, the North Bend City Council passed AB25-049, stipulating that the Snoqualmie Police Department provide 18 months of service at an annual rate of $2.83 million until the King County Sheriff’s Office takes over on December 1, 2026. North Bend Councilmembers did not address the contractual dispute during the May 20 Council Meeting.
As the May 31 deadline approaches, the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend continue to work through unresolved questions around law enforcement authority and financial reimbursement. Snoqualmie officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining public safety during the transition and expressed hope that a formal agreement can be reached.
The outcome will determine whether Snoqualmie police officers can continue serving within North Bend city limits while the transition to King County Sheriff’s Office services moves forward.
[Information provided by the City of Snoqualmie]
