Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
On April 8, 2025, the City Council approved a real estate purchase and sale agreement to sell the 900 Plum Street property, commonly known as the Lee Creighton Justice Center, to the Squaxin Island Tribe. The City Council was first briefed on this potential real estate purchase on January 9, 2024. At that time, to prepare for a possible sale, City staff explored options to relocate the Programs and Services housed at the Lee Creighton Justice Center.
The City researched and evaluated three options for Municipal Court and the related programs and services. The following options, along with one-time relocation costs and the on-going impact to the General Fund operating budget were presented to Council on April 22.
1. Leasing commercial space
2. Relocating all Program and Services to City-owned buildings - 108 State Avenue and City Council Chambers.
3. Relocating Prosecution, Victim and Domestic Violence Assistance Programs, and Public Defense to City-owned buildings - 108 State Avenue - and exploring the transition of Judicial Services to Thurston County.
On April 22, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing staff to enter negotiations with Thurston County for Judicial Services, Jail Alternatives and Supervised Probation Services. At that same meeting, the City Council directed staff to provide them with more in-depth information regarding the feasibility and impacts of using 108 State Avenue and Council Chambers as a long-term, permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court.
A City Council Study session was held on June 12, where the City’s Project Engineer and KMB architects presented the space planning needs of Prosecution, Public Defense, and Municipal Court. It included information on municipal court requirements and best practices as well as a discussion on the advantages and challenges of sharing Council Chambers as a permanent solution. The City Council also heard from the County’s Court Executive Officer and District Court Judge regarding the Programs and Services offered at the County. Finally, staff updated the Council on the negotiations of an Interlocal Agreement with the County.
Staff finalized negotiations with the County on an Interlocal Agreement. The Interlocal Agreement was informed by the City’s Reimagining Public Safety Goals and the shared goals of the County to expand restorative justice programs and evidence-based courts. The term of this agreement is July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. The agreement states the County will complete a comprehensive rate study before this agreement expires, which will be completed in time to inform the City’s 2027 operating budget.
The cost of the agreement includes both operating costs and one-time start-up costs. The operating costs are $2.702 million, which includes $2.499 million for staffing and a $203,000 facility lease. The one-time startup costs are estimated at $736,000. The County is currently seeking bids so they can finalize the number. This cost will be finalized over the next few weeks.
If the City Council approves the resolution, the Board of County Commissioners will consider the Interlocal Agreement at their July 29 meeting. Once both bodies approve the agreement, the City will provide a six-month notice to the Administrative Office of the Courts regarding the Interlocal Agreement and that the County will provide Judicial Services for the City of Olympia and the City will be terminating its municipal court.
Climate Analysis:
This potential transition of the Municipal Court is not expected to have an impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
Approval of this resolution will impact City employees who work for the Municipal Court. A transition plan is being developed in conjunction with the employees and Union to ensure a smooth and equitable transition. Also, people who currently participate in Olympia’s Community Court, jail alternatives, or supervised probation services will transition to similar programs at Thurston County.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community has expressed interest in preserving Olympia’s Community Court and local control of the Court system.
Financial Impact:
The cost for the County to provide Judicial Services, Jail Alternatives, and Supervised Probation for the City through December 31, 2026, is $2.702 million which will be funded through the General Fund. The one-time start-up costs, estimated at $736,000, will be funded through the proceeds of the sale of 900 Plum Street.
Options:
1. Move to approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
2. Direct staff to modify the Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County and continue negotiating with Thurston County. A revised Interlocal Agreement will be scheduled for Council’s consideration at a future meeting.
3. Do not approve a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial Services and direct staff to pursue another alternative for the City to maintain Municipal Court and the related programs and services.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement