Title
Discussion of Municipal Court Services Transition to Thurston County District Court
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the transition of Municipal Court Services to Thurston County District Court.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Discuss the transition of Municipal Court Services to Thurston County District Court.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Frankie Peters, Thurston County Court Executive Officer
Sam Meyer, District Court Judge
Paul Wohl, Commissioner
Bryanna Pinkston, City of Olympia Prosecutor
Diane Whaley, Public Defense Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
On July 8, 2025, the City Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County for the County to provide judicial services to the City of Olympia, with a term extending through December 2026. The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners later approved the Interlocal Agreement in late July.
On August 4, 2025, the City provided the required six-month notice to the Administrative Office of the Courts regarding the Interlocal Agreement. Olympia’s Municipal Court was formally terminated on February 4, 2026, and Thurston County District Court assumed all judicial responsibilities effective February 5, 2026.
This Study Session is intended to provide the City Council with an update on the transition of Municipal Court and related programs. Staff will also share progress on the comprehensive rate study and outline key priorities for 2027, including the development of therapeutic courts (e.g., Community Court). This discussion will inform negotiations for a new Interlocal Agreement to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Climate Analysis:
This potential transition of the Municipal Court is not expected to have an impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
People involved in the justice system are often disproportionately low-income or members of marginalized communities. Expanding access to progressive alternatives such as Veterans Court, Mental Health Court, and other therapeutic court models that are designed to reduce recidivism by addressing underlying needs and connecting individuals to services that support long-term stability and wellness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Thruston County Chapter of the NAACP has met with Thurston County District Court judges and staff to discuss efforts being made to advance the Reimagining Public Safety Goals adopted by the Olympia City Council.
Financial Impact:
The cost of the agreement includes both operating 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 were estimated at $736,000. An Amendment was approved by the City Council on April 14, 2026 for an additional $496,937 to cover additional staff for security and to manage the City’s citation/infraction responses.
The one-time start-up costs, will be funded through the proceeds of the sale of 900 Plum Street and the on-going expenses are funded through the General Fund.
Options:
1. Discuss the transition of Municipal Court Services to Thurston County District Court.
2. Do not discuss the transition of Municipal Court Services to Thurston County District Court.
3. Hold the discussion at another time.
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement