On May 22, 2025, the Snoqualmie City Council directed staff to use steps necessary, from negotiation through litigation, to have the City of North Bend confer law enforcement authority to the Snoqualmie Police Department to ensure public safety is maintained while the two cities work on a contractual dispute regarding the 2025 Police Services Interlocal Agreement (ILA). After the January 2025 ILA ends on May 31, 2025, Snoqualmie police officers will not have authority to police in North Bend.
“Snoqualmie is committed to protecting the residents of both cities; that is first and foremost,” stated Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Holloway.
Following the 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.
When the January 2025 ILA ends on May 31, the City of Snoqualmie will no longer have law enforcement authority granted by North Bend, a key legal provision of the previous agreement. For Snoqualmie Officers to continue policing the North Bend city limits, North Bend must confer law enforcement authority to Snoqualmie Police Officers.