At the May 6, 2025 North Bend City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to approve a motion authorizing negotiations for an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the King County Sheriff’s Office for police services in North Bend.

Each councilmember spoke, sharing a deep appreciation for community input, while acknowledging the extensive, rigorous and data-driven process that persuaded the Council to decide on Tuesday evening to move from the Snoqualmie Police Department, to the King County Sheriff’s Office. 

Local business owners, nonprofit organizations, residents, Snoqualmie councilmembers, and Snoqualmie Mayor Ross provided public comment regarding the provision of police services in North Bend. They voiced their own experiences with and feedback on the city’s current police services provider, the Snoqualmie Police Department. 

Councilmembers articulated their gratitude for the work Snoqualmie police officers have provided the North Bend community for over 14 years. 

“The Snoqualmie Police Department has served us well and kept us safe,” commented Councilmember Heather Koellen. “The same will be true for the Sheriff’s Department. They will protect us and keep us safe.”

The King County Sheriff’s Office provided an in-depth presentation at the April 8, 2025 Special Workstudy meeting, sharing extensive research and responsive communication throughout the city’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Councilmembers talked about positive interactions and future opportunities with the organization. The City Council and the city administration look forward to working with the Sheriff’s Office.

Watch the King County Sheriff’s Office’s presentation to the Council at the April 8, 2025 Special Workstudy meeting by visiting the city’s Media Center webpage, at https://northbendwa.gov/civicmedia, or the city’s YouTube channel, at https://youtu.be/6ew28HY-Tn0 (at approximately one hour, two minutes in).

Councilmembers spoke about the difficult decision, noting the importance of long-term fiscal sustainability, increased communication and access to crucial information. Moving forward, it is expected the new ILA will incorporate input from the city on financial management. 

“There were several factors that led to this decision,” commented Councilmember and current Public Health and Safety Committee Chair, Chris Rustik. Regarding the current police services contract, she said, “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.”

She continued, “Although opinions may vary on the best approach, it is very clear that the safety of our community is a top priority for us all.” 

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Joselyn commented, “If I believed for a minute that becoming a contract city with the King County Sheriff’s Office would make our community less safe, I would not support it.” 

He also noted supporting testimonials from the cities of Woodinville and Sammamish regarding the quality of services provided to each of them by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

As ILA negotiations with King County commence, the Snoqualmie Police Department will continue as the City of North Bend’s police services provider until a final ILA is approved by the Council and thereafter, until terminated with an 18 month notice by the City of North Bend. 

“We will have the transition process be as smooth as possible,” said Mayor Mary Miller.

Mayor Miller spoke about continuing relationship building, emphasizing the importance of open communication. 

She continued, “Thank you to the community for coming up and talking to us, saying exactly how you feel. It’s important and I welcome you to keep doing that. Don’t ever stop.”

Watch a recording of the May 6, 2025 North Bend City Council meeting by visiting the Media Center webpage, at https://northbendwa.gov/civicmedia, or the city’s YouTube channel, at https://youtu.be/lERFG5VTbtY (beginning at approximately one hour, 45 minutes in). For a timeline of the process and additional information about the extensive 2025 Police Services selection process, please visit https://northbendwa.gov/428/2025-Police-Services-Study. 

The city will continue to provide community updates as they move forward with ILA negotiations with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Pictured here: Attendees, staff, Mayor Miller and the City Council at the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting