Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Amendment No. 1 to an 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 Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement Between with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement Between with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
On July 29, 2025, the City of Olympia entered into an Interlocal Agreement under which Thurston County will provide judicial services for the City.
Since the approval of the Interlocal Agreement, the City of Olympia, decided to transition all parking citations/infractions directly to District Court for processing. This approach aligns with state law, reduces administrative complexity, and lowers the City’s legal risk. As a result, Thurston County determined that an additional fee is required which includes a one-time equipment cost of $6,000 and one additional full-time equivalent employee at a cost of $110,937 for salary and benefits. District Court will assume responsibility for all of the City’s parking citation/infraction responses, fines, hearings, payments, and related tasks.
Thurston County also determined that an additional two full-time employees are required to provide security for operations of Thurston County District Court due to the increase in cases filed by the City of Olympia. The salary and benefits for this expense are $380,000.
The Interlocal Agreement expires on December 31, 2026. The agreement states that a comprehensive rate study will be completed by the County before the current agreement expires. Costs for judicial services will be apportioned among jurisdictions using Thurston County Court’s judicial services.
Climate Analysis:
This resolution is not expected to have an impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
This resolution is not expected to have an impact on equity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community seeks a system that is sufficiently staffed to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the municipal court functions provided by Thurston County District Court.
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. This amendment adds $490,937 for personnel and $6,000 of one-time expenses which will be covered from a combination of proceeds from the sale of 900 Plum Street and the 2026 General Fund Operating Budget.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement Between with Thurston County for Judicial Services.
2. Move to approve a resolution authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Interlocal Agreement Between the City of Olympia and Thurston County for Judicial Services, based on feedback and modifications from City Council.
3. Do not approve a resolution and direct staff to continue negotiations with Thurston County.
Attachments:
Resolution
Amendment No. 1
Agreement