SNOHOMISH — The city of Snohomish plans to begin negotiating a police services contract with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
The City Council voted Tuesday night to direct City Manager Larry Bauman to begin talks. The city had been waffling on the future of the police department for months.
City leaders are trying to close a roughly $1 million shortfall in next year’s budget. Under a police services contract, the sheriff’s office would oversee all police operations, including patrol and criminal investigation. It could save up to $375,397 a year. The idea has been one of the most controversial budget cuts being floated.
The Snohomish Police Guild in July recommended going with the Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office already provides law enforcement services under contracts in Sultan, Gold Bar and Stanwood. Until recently, it had a similar arrangement in Granite Falls.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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