Title
Discuss the Potential Transition of Municipal Court and Related Programs to Thurston County
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the use of 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court and Related Programs, learn about Thurston County District programs and services, and receive a briefing on negotiations related to an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the use of 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court and related programs, learn about Thurston County District Programs and Services, and receive a briefing on negotiations related to 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
Fran Eide, Project Engineer
Bill Valdez, KMB Architecture
Frankie Peters, Thurston County Court Executive Officer
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.
The City explored three options. These options, along with one-time relocation costs and the on-going impact to the General Fund were presented to Council on April 22.
1. Leasing commercial space
2. Relocating all Program and Services to City-owned buildings - 108 State Street and City Council Chambers.
3. Relocating Prosecution, Victim and Domestic Violence Assistance Programs, and Public Defense to City-owned buildings - 108 State Street - and exploring the transition of Judicial Services to Thurston County.
Staff recommended option three - relocating Prosecution, Victim and Domestic Violence Assistance Programs and Public Defense to 108 State Street and transitioning Judicial Services to Thurston County. This option aligns with both the City’s commitment to reimagining public safety and to Council’s goal of long-term financial sustainability.
City Council asked staff to provide Council with more information on the feasibility of using 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a long-term solution to retain Municipal Court and the Related Programs. They also directed staff to enter negotiations for an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County to provide judicial services, and to start working with employees in conjunction with the Union on a transition plan.
This study session will provide Council with an update on the work completed since the April 22 Council meeting, including: the opportunity to review the use of 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court and Related Programs, learn about Thurston County District Court Programs and Services, and receive a briefing on the negotiations of an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County.
Climate Analysis:
This potential transition of Municipal Court is not expected to have an impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
Approval of this potential transition of judicial services will impact City employees who work for the Municipal Court. A plan will be developed, in conjunction 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:
The decision to maintain municipal court or to contract with the County may result in one-time transition costs ranging from $742,000 - $1.5 million. The on-going operating budget for Municipal Court is anticipated to remain at the current level of $2.54 million which is funded through the General Fund.
Options:
1. Discuss the use of 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court and Related Programs, learn about Thurston County District programs and services, and receive a briefing on negotiations related to an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial services.
2. Do not discuss the use of 108 State Street and Council Chambers as a permanent solution to maintain Municipal Court and Related Programs, learn about Thurston County District programs and services, and receive a briefing on negotiations related to an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for judicial services.
3. Take other actions.
Attachments:
None