Title
Approval of a Resolution Directing Staff to Negotiate an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for Judicial, Jail Alternatives, and Supervised Probation Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution directing staff to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial, jail alternatives, and supervised probation services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution directing staff to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial, jail alternatives, and supervised probation services.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
In an open public meeting 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 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 started to explore options to relocate the Programs and Services housed at the Lee Creighton Justice Center.
As background, the building was constructed in 1966 and served as City Hall until 2011. It was repurposed to a Justice Center and housed Municipal Court, Probation, Victim Assistance and Domestic Violence Assistance Programs, Public Defense, and the Municipal Jail. In 2019, a facility condition assessment was completed. It identified over $12 million in deficiencies and stated that serious consideration should be given to replacing the facility. The City then engaged in a Justice Center Master Plan, which was completed in 2022. The feasibility estimated project cost in 2023 dollars ranged from $89 to $94 million. Of that estimate, $32 million included the cost to replace the Jail. This information was instrumental in the decision to close the jail in 2023.
Staff explored three options to relocate the Municipal Court Programs and Services:
1. Leasing Commercial Space
2. Relocating all Program and Services to City-owned buildings
3. Relocating Prosecution, Victims and Domestic Violence Assistance Programs, and Public Defense to City-owned buildings and exploring the transition of Judicial Services to Thurston County.
The Reimagining Public Safety recommendations accepted by the City Council in December 2022 and the Council’s goal to address long-term budget sustainability challenges guided the evaluation. Staff will share the estimated costs for all three options including one-time relocation costs, the ongoing estimated impact on the General Fund Operating Budget, and the next steps.
Climate Analysis:
This Resolution 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 plan will be developed, in collaboration with the employees and Union, to ensure a smooth and equitable transition if Council approves an Interlocal Agreement with the County in the future. Also, people who currently opt-in to Olympia’s Community Court, access jail alternatives, or supervised probation services will be discussed with the County through the negotiations to ensure similar programs are available.
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:
Approving this resolution may result in a one-time transition cost of $742,000 and on-going operating costs that are on par with the current Municipal Court Budget of $2.54 million. The Municipal Court Budget is covered by the General Fund.
Options:
1. Move to approve a resolution directing staff to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial, jail alternatives, and supervised probation services.
2. Do not pass the resolution.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution